Top email2xnew Email us Top search2xnew Join Basket Login
Home / Training
Home / Training

Training

  • 723451 400x400

    Introduction

    Stoke Gabriel Boating Association (SGBA) is an RYA Recognised Training Centre (RTC). As such we are inspected each year to ensure our facilities and practices are continuously maintained to the high standards set by the RYA.


    SGBA provides a range of RYA sailing and powerboat training, plus first aid courses. All courses are run using RYA trained and certified instructors from our clubhouse and operating base at: Mill Point, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6FX


    Courses are available for SGBA members at highly competitive rates. Any unused places may be offered to non-members at an increased fee, the increase usually equivalent to our annual membership fee.


    Any questions, please contact principal@sgba.org.uk

  • 723389 400x400

    Junior Sailing Courses: RYA Stage 1-4, Advanced Week and Assistant Instructors

    The Junior Sailing Courses provide RYA dinghy sail training for children aged 8-15 years at Mill Point, Stoke Gabriel. They are organised for SGBA members, usually in the late May school half term holidays and during the summer holidays.

    Booking opens 1st April at 1200 for members only.

    Non members please join here.

    Courses are designed to be fun. Children are encouraged to work towards their RYA Stage 1-4 dinghy sailing certificates, which are awarded at the end of the course to successful participants.

    Age

    8 years old to 15 years old. Ages outside this range may be considered. Please contact the SGBA Principal Adam Smith first principal@sgba.org.uk

    Stage 1

    Experience required: None

    An introduction to the parts of the boat and the basic principles of how to get a boat sailing. Launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning around, steering and basic parts of the boat.

    Stage 2

    Experience required: Stage 1

    Develop the skills needed to sail around a course and understand the basic principles needed to become a confident sailor. Improved sailing skills on all points of sail. Tacking, gybing, ropework and collision avoidance.

    Stage 3

    Experience required: Stage 2

    Build your confidence and develop the skills needed to sail in different directions in moderate conditions. Improved rigging, sailing theory, launching and recovery. Building confidence in a range of sailing techniques on all points of sail and capsize recovery.

    Stage 4

    Experience required: Stage 3

    Learn how to sail a double-handed boat as crew or helm and solve a variety of problems afloat.
    Transferring pre-learnt skills, techniques and manoeuvres to sail crewed boats, enhance rigging, launching, recovery and practical skills to recover a man overboard.

    Advanced Week

    Experience required: Stage 4

    A fun packed week of sailing at an advanced level. This week is designed to consolidate what you already now whilst adding a few new skills to your sailing repertoire. During this week we will primarily be looking at racing as we prepare juniors for the RS Tera nationals in Paignton but all welcome.

    AIs & AIs in Training

    Experience required: Must be an AI or be registered on the AI in Training Program

    This is only open to AIs and those enrolled in the "AI in Training Program". The AI in Training Program is for those who have achieved an RYA Advanced Module or Advanced Week. Email principal@sgba.org.uk

    SGBA instructors are RYA trained and accredited Dinghy Instructors supported by Assistant Instructors.


    It is a requirement for parents of participants to volunteer to help make their child's course a success, as either Assistant Instructors, safety boat crew or shore based helpers. This enables us to keep the cost of the courses well below usual commercial rates.

  • 723401 400x400

    Adult Dinghy Sailing: RYA Level 1-3

    Adult group sailing courses are run throughout the year based on demand following the RYA Level 1-3 syllabus. Please see the calendar for dates.


  • 721507 400x400

    RYA Powerboat Level 2 (PB2)

    This two-day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). It includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery, pilotage and collision regulations.


    Aim: To teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats

    Pre Entry Requirements: No previous knowledge required

    Duration: Two days

    Ratio: The ratio of students to instructor will not exceed 3:1

    Minimum Age: 12 years old. Endorsement: Certificates for those aged 12 to 16 will be endorsed to the effect that the user should only use powered craft under the supervision of a responsible adult.

    Cost Includes: RYA Start Powerboating (e-book) and course completion certificate.

    RYA Powerboat Scheme Syllabus & Log Book (G20) will be available to purchase.


    You will need to packed lunch on both days.


    Courses run at Stoke Gabriel incorporate the SGBA induction course for the club safety boats so that, after successfully completing the course, you can book the safety boats for your personal use subject to the rules that apply.


    Any questions contact pb2@sgba.org.uk


    For upcoming courses see the SGBA calendar for details

  • RYA Safety Boat

    This two-day course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or kayaks, or for racing or training activities. It includes rescue techniques and elements of race management and mark laying.


    An RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate must be obtained before taking this course.


    The RYA safety boat qualification is not mandatory for helming club safety boats at club events, but the techniques and skills it brings are highly desirable.


    You may find this Safety Boat video useful:


  • 723639 400x400

    RYA First Aid

    The RYA First Aid course is a whole day training course taught by Tracey Cunningham - an inspirational trainer whose enthusiasm will keep your attention for the full day. The course fee includes latest RYA First Aid Manual and the all important RYA First Aid Certificate. This is also valid as a "work place" First Aid Certificate. The RYA course emphasises water related situations and teaches essential life saving skills.


    There are a maximum of 12 places on each course.


    Certificates are valid for three years. If you already have a certificate please check its expiry date to ensure continued validity - it is compulsory for RYA Instructors to hold a valid first aid certificate. It is desirable that Safety Boat helms and Shore Monitors have First Aid training. In fact, Tracey would say that everyone should be trained in these life saving skills!


    For upcoming courses see the calendar for details

  • RYA VHF/DSC Theory

    The course covers the basics of radio operation, frequencies, distress, emergency and medical assistance procedures, as well as making ship to shore telephone calls, Digital Selective Calling, and the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. If you are interested in VHF training, please check the calendar for course dates.

© 2025 Stoke Gabriel Boating Association powered by Sailing Club Manager