Course Overview
RYA Start Yachting is a short, practical introduction to sailing for complete beginners. Over two days you will experience steering a cruising yacht, raising and handling sails, basic ropework and the essential safety routines used aboard.
We normally schedule the Phuket course over a weekend. It is a useful first taste of sail cruising for individuals and families who are not yet ready to commit to a full five-day liveaboard course.
🌞 Sailing conditions 🌊
Phuket offers year-round tropical sailing. The northeast-monsoon months are generally drier, while the southwest monsoon can bring fresher winds, tropical showers and larger swell on exposed Andaman routes. Phang Nga Bay provides more sheltered water, allowing the instructor to select suitable training areas for the day’s conditions.
⛵️ Places to explore 🏝️
Depending on weather and training objectives, the cruising area can include limestone anchorages in Phang Nga Bay, islands near Phuket and, on suitable passages, the Phi Phi Islands. The final route is always set by the instructor and is not a fixed holiday itinerary.
Who Is This Course For?
First-time sailors, families and anyone who wants a supported introduction to a cruising yacht before progressing to RYA Competent Crew.
Prerequisites
- No previous sailing experience required
- Recommended minimum age: 8 years old
- Students under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Reasonable mobility for moving safely around a yacht
Typical Itinerary
Train from 09:30 to 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Accommodation onboard is not included. Overnight accommodation may occasionally be arranged in advance, subject to availability, or students can book a hotel at or near Yacht Haven Marina.
- Saturday morning: safety briefing, yacht familiarisation and basic ropework
- Saturday: getting underway, steering and first sail-handling exercises
- Sunday: consolidate helming, sail handling, lookout and emergency awareness
- Sunday afternoon: return, review the weekend and discuss the next RYA step
Sailing Yacht on This Course
Practical courses are currently scheduled aboard our dedicated liveaboard training yacht from Yacht Haven Marina.
What Is Included
Included
- Two days of practical RYA tuition, 09:30–17:00
- Use of the yacht’s safety and training equipment
- RYA completion certificate when the required standard is achieved
- Fuel, home marina fees and normal yacht operating costs
- Simple lunch on both training days
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
Not included
- Overnight accommodation
- Accommodation ashore
- Flights and transport to or from Phuket
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Breakfast and dinner
- Soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and additional personal provisions
Optional extras
- Course textbook€25 per book
- RYA logbook€20 per book
- Airport pickup€30 per trip
- Onboard air conditioning€5 per generator hour
Bookable extras can be selected on the booking page.
AC charge covers extra fuel, generator running hours and maintenance; settled onboard according to actual use.
Course Syllabus
- The yacht and its principal parts
- Ropework and basic knots
- Getting underway and steering
- Sail handling
- Basic rules of the road
- Emergency equipment and precautions
- Basic meteorology
Recommended to Bring
- Lightweight quick-drying clothing
- Non-marking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection, hat and reusable water bottle
- Light waterproof layer
- A small soft bag for personal belongings
Local Information
Flights and Arrival
Phuket International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes by road from Yacht Haven Marina in normal traffic. Plan to arrive with enough time for Sunday-evening boarding. Airport transfer and accommodation before or after the course can be arranged separately.
Typical Weather
Phuket is warm throughout the year, but the monsoon seasons influence wind, rainfall and route planning. These are typical patterns rather than a forecast.
Mid Oct–Jan
24–31°C
Drier northeast-monsoon period with more sunshine and generally comfortable cruising conditions.
Feb–May
25–33°C
Hot, mostly dry weather. Winds can become lighter and more variable as the season progresses.
July–Aug
24–32°C
Southwest-monsoon sailing with tropical showers, fresher winds and more swell on exposed routes.
Sep–Mid Oct
24–31°C
Typically the wettest and most changeable period, with squalls and routes adjusted to conditions.
Your Next RYA Step
After Start Yachting, continue to RYA Competent Crew to develop the full range of practical crewing skills and become a confident, useful member of a cruising yacht's crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the course take place?
Start at 09:30 on Saturday and Sunday and finish at 17:00 each day at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. Your joining instructions will confirm the precise meeting point and any arrangements specific to your weekend.
Is overnight accommodation included?
No. This is a two-day, non-residential course and you return ashore after sailing each day. Overnight accommodation may occasionally be arranged in advance, subject to availability, or you can book accommodation at or near Yacht Haven Marina.
Are lunch and drinks included?
A simple lunch, drinking water, tea and coffee are included on both training days. Soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and additional personal provisions are not included. Tell us about any food allergies or dietary requirements before the course.
How do I reach Phuket Yacht Haven Marina?
The marina is around 20 minutes by road from Phuket International Airport in normal traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available, and an airport transfer can be added when booking if required. Allow extra time at weekends and during busy travel periods.
What should I bring for the weekend?
Bring lightweight quick-drying clothes, non-marking shoes with good grip, sun protection, a hat, a light waterproof layer and a refillable water bottle in a small soft bag. Lunch and basic drinks are included, so no food or overnight luggage is needed unless you want personal snacks. The instructor may adapt the sailing plan to the weather and sea conditions.
