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Discover Freedom on the Water

THERE’S SOMETHING POWERFUL ABOUT BEING AT THE HELM.
The wind fills the sails, the noise of the shore fades away, and suddenly the world feels bigger, calmer, and full of possibility.
At Bourne to Sail, we help you experience that feeling, whether you’re stepping onto a sailing boat for the very first time or building confidence to take your next adventure further afield. This isn’t just about learning to sail. It’s about confidence, capability, and the freedom to go where the wind takes you.
Based on the stunning Sussex coast, our friendly, professional sailing experiences are designed around you. No rigid formulas. No intimidating jargon. Just expert instruction, real hands-on learning, and unforgettable moments on the water.
So whether your dream is relaxed coastal cruising, skippering your own yacht, or simply escaping the everyday for a few hours, your journey starts here.
Hoist the sails. Take the helm. Discover what sailing can give you.

RYA Yachting Courses

Our Royal Yachting Association (RYA) practical courses are designed to build confidence on the water, whatever your starting point. From the RYA Start Yachting and Competent Crew courses through to becoming the RYA Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper you’ll gain hands-on skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to sail safely and enjoy every mile of your journey. Let's not forget, we also offer Yachtmaster preparation weeks and exams if you think you have what it takes..
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OUR COURSES

Sail Around Britain 2026

Join Bourne to Sail for an unforgettable adventure as we sail around Britain in 2026. This epic voyage is split into seven week-long legs aboard our Sigma 38 Monet, exploring some of the most rugged and beautiful coastline the UK has to offer. Sail alongside a professional skipper, build miles, confidence and experience, and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime challenge whether you join us for a single leg or complete the full circumnavigation.
OUR COURSES

Sailing Taster Experience

Always fancied giving yacht sailing a try? Our Sailing Taster Experience is the perfect introduction. Spend three unforgettable hours on the water aboard a well-equipped sailing yacht with a qualified professional skipper, sailing in and around Eastbourne Bay and taking in the spectacular coastline, including Beachy Head. Ideal for complete beginners or anyone looking to try something new, these relaxed sessions are also a brilliant gift idea perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or a memorable treat.
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OUR COURSES

RYA Online Courses

Learn at your own pace with our Royal Yachting Association (RYA) online courses. One of these options is the Essential Navigation and Seamanship course which is ideal for beginners and improvers alike, giving you the core knowledge you need to stay safe and understands the basics of safe navigation — all from the comfort of home, and perfectly suited to fit around busy lives.
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OUR COURSES

Yacht Sailing Adventures

Our Yacht Sailing Adventures are all about real journeys, real miles, and unforgettable experiences. From coastal exploration on the Rye Sailing Adventure and exhilarating passages on a Channel Crossing, to iconic sailing grounds like the Solent, these trips are perfect for sailors looking to build experience, confidence, and memories — all under the guidance of an experienced professional skipper.
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OUR COURSES

Youth Sailing

Bourne To Sail are pleased to offer The RYA Youth Start Sailing level 1 and 2 course. The Start Sailing Course is the ideal introduction to the world of sailing for young people who want to try their hand at this wonderful sport.
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What our clients say

I just completed my day skipper course with Bourne to Sail. The instructors Craig and Oli were first-rate - extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and excellent at building our skill level and confidence. I learned a huge amount over the week and had a lot of fun. The Kilderkin is a lovely boat to sail in and is very well equipped for every eventuality- (they also had a never-ending supply of biscuits.) If you are looking to do your day skipper or get some sailing training, I’d highly recommend Bourne to Sail!
A really enjoyable week that flew by but also packed lots in. I learnt so much as a complete beginner, from the basics of being a competent crew member, to taking responsibility as we tacked and jibed.
I've just completed my Day Skipper practical course with Bourne to Sail. Craig was a great teacher, very patient, motivational and knowledgeable. We had some decent winds and waves but I always felt very safe on Kilderkin. Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour is a great area to learn and we were also lucky enough to go to Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven marinas, which all added to the experience of navigating tidal areas. I am very glad I chose Bourne to Sail and did the course in Eastbourne.
Oli is a great instructor, he was patient and generous in sharing his knowledge. He let us do almost all of the sailing and skippering but was always there when advice or support was needed. His calm and friendly attitude as well as his wide knowledge made the journey a really pleasure, even going round Beachey Head as the weather turned nasty!!