1. Do I need any experience to learn to sail with Bourne to Sail?
No experience is needed at all. Bourne to Sail offers beginner-friendly options including sailing taster sessions, RYA Start Yachting, and Youth Sailing courses, making it easy to learn to sail from scratch in a safe and supportive environment.
2. What RYA sailing courses do you offer?
We offer a full range of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses, including Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Preparation, shorebased theory courses, first aid, and RYA online courses.
3. Where are your sailing courses and experiences based?
Our sailing courses and experiences are run on the South Coast, with sailing areas including Eastbourne Bay, Beachy Head, the Solent, Rye, the English Channel, and wider UK waters depending on the course or adventure.
4. How long do RYA practical sailing courses last?
Course length varies depending on the level. Some courses run over a weekend, while others take place over five consecutive days. Longer sailing adventures and mile-building voyages typically last seven days per leg.
5. Can I do an RYA sailing course online?
Yes. We offer RYA online courses including Essential Navigation and Seamanship, Safe and Fun Safeguarding, and Professional Practices and Responsibilities. These courses allow you to learn at your own pace from home.
6. Are sailing experiences suitable as gifts?
Absolutely. Our sailing taster experiences and adventure sailing trips make ideal gifts for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or anyone wanting to try something new and memorable on the water.
7. Can I charter a yacht with a professional skipper?
Yes. We offer skippered yacht charter options, allowing you to enjoy a tailored sailing experience with an experienced professional skipper on board. This is ideal for relaxed sailing, confidence building, or special occasions.
8. Do you offer sailing tuition on my own boat?
Yes. Our own boat tuition service provides personalised instruction on your own yacht, helping you become more confident handling your boat in real-world conditions, whether in harbour, coastal waters, or at sea.
9. What is the Sail Round Britain challenge?
Sail Round Britain is a once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure taking place in 2026. The voyage is split into seven week-long legs, allowing sailors to join a single leg or complete the full circumnavigation of the UK with a professional skipper on board.
10. Is sailing safe for beginners and young people?
Safety is our top priority. All courses and experiences are led by qualified instructors or professional skippers, follow RYA guidelines, and include full safety briefings. Youth sailing courses are run in a safe, fun, and well-supervised environment.
9. What is the Sail Round Britain challenge?
Sail Round Britain is a once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure taking place in 2026. The voyage is split into seven week-long legs, allowing sailors to join a single leg or complete the full circumnavigation of the UK with a professional skipper on board.
10. Is sailing safe for beginners and young people?
Safety is our top priority. All courses and experiences are led by qualified instructors or professional skippers, follow RYA guidelines, and include full safety briefings. Youth sailing courses are run in a safe, fun, and well-supervised environment.