Cruising Instructor Course
The RYA Cruising Instructor Course is an intensive 5-day training program located in the Solent. It is designed to prepare qualified Yachtmasters to teach RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper practical courses. This hands-on course allows skippers to pursue a professional instructing career both in the UK and overseas.
At Sail Squad, we are committed to providing you with the best possible opportunity for success in the Cruising Instructor course. You will work closely with our Chief Instructor and RYA Cruising Instructor Trainer, gaining the tools and confidence necessary to teach effectively. We keep things small and personal, with a team that cares about doing things properly and helping you grow as both a skipper and instructor.
Cruising Instructor Course Format
The RYA Cruising Instructor Course runs over five consecutive days onboard one of our fully equipped training yachts. From the first day, you will be fully immersed in the training experience.
Days 1–4: Training with Our CI Trainer
This practical course is designed to enhance your teaching skills, focusing on how you teach rather than just what you teach. You will be instructed by Mart Andrews, the co-owner of Sail Squad and an RYA-appointed Cruising Instructor Trainer, who has been selected by the RYA to deliver this course.
During the first four days, you will rotate through three key roles:
- Instructor: Deliver short teaching sessions on topics like knots, navigation, or mooring techniques
- Student: Participate in peer-led sessions as a learner
- Observer: Watch others teach and deliver constructive, structured feedback
Each of these roles will enhance your understanding of effective instruction from different perspectives. There is a strong emphasis on role-play throughout the course; one moment you may be explaining how to tie a bowline knot, and the next, you could be acting as a student or providing feedback as an observer.
The observer role is particularly valuable and challenging, as it requires you to identify teaching strengths and areas for improvement while giving feedback as if guiding a real student. This is a crucial part of learning how to support others effectively.
Day 5: Moderation Day
On the final day, Mart will step aside, and an RYA-appointed Moderator will join the course. This day runs just like the first four, but with the moderator now assessing your performance in a live teaching environment.
The moderator will either:
- Confirm your pass
- Recommend an action plan for further development
- Or (rarely) determine that instructing may not be the right fit at this time
The Cruising Instructor Syllabus
Learning Styles & Teaching Models
- Identifying learning styles and overcoming barriers to learning
- Comfort, stretch, and panic zones
- Coaching frameworks such as EDICT, plus NLP principles and questioning techniques
- Adapting your approach to meet the needs of different learners
Practical Instruction Skills
- Teaching core topics: knots, navigation, mooring under sail, and more
- Planning and structuring lessons with clear safety and learning objectives
- Managing time, location, and group dynamics onboard
- Developing through self-reflection and structured peer feedback
Briefing & Structuring Feedback
- Observation skills and effective debriefing methods
- Prioritising feedback: safety, learning, and enjoyment
- Giving and receiving honest, constructive feedback
Understanding the RYA Training Scheme
- Overview of RYA course structures and student progression
- Instructor responsibilities, working with centres, and handling complaints
- Clarifying learning outcomes: “knowledge of,” “understands,” and “can”
Catastrophe Clinique
- Learning strategies to prevent common mistakes in teaching
- Learning from accidents/incidents
Pre-Course Requirements
To join the course, you must:
- Hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate and have extensive sailing experience.
- Have up-to-date Yachtmaster theory knowledge
- Be very confident in your understanding of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)
Online Pre-Course Module
Once you complete your booking, you will receive access to the RYA Interactive Cruising Instructor Pre-Course Knowledge Check. This online module is designed to help you identify and address any gaps in your theoretical knowledge before training begins.
Potential Career Paths as a Cruising Instructor
Once qualified, you’ll be able to teach Start Yachting, Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses at any RYA Recognised Training Centre. That means you could find work instructing in the UK, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
It’s a globally respected certification that opens doors to freelance and full-time instructing roles, or can be a stepping stone toward becoming a Yachtmaster Instructor. If you’re the kind of instructor who reflects our values and approach, there may be opportunities to work with Sail Squad, too.
Book Your Place Today
This challenging, rewarding, and career-launching course costs just £850 and is designed for those ready to teach the RYA way – with clarity, empathy, professionalism, and energy.
- 5 days of onboard instruction
- Food and accommodation onboard
- Wet weather gear (if needed)
- Honest, structured feedback throughout
- Access to the RYA interactive pre-course knowledge check
Give us a call to have a chat if you’re interested in this course, and we can give you advice on whether you’re ready.
Explore Our Cruising Instructor Development Programme
Want to give yourself the best possible chance of success on the Cruising Instructor course? Our optional 4-week cruising instructor development programme is designed to do exactly that, helping you build confidence, refine your skills, and prepare to thrive as an instructor.
FAQs
We’ve covered the most common questions to help you get started. If there’s anything else you need, just drop us a message. We’re always happy to chat.
Your Cruising Instructor certificate is valid for 5 years. Revalidation can be completed with a one-day assessment.
Potentially. If you align with our values and culture, and you demonstrate the right skills and mindset, we may invite you to work with us after you qualify.
There isn’t an exam in the traditional sense. Your teaching abilities will be continuously assessed throughout the week, with a moderation by a second RYA Trainer on the final day to confirm whether you have met the qualification standards.
Yes. The course is residential and takes place on board one of our well-equipped training yachts, based in Port Hamble Marina.
If you’re not feeling fully confident with boat handling, navigation, or skippering under pressure, we recommend joining one of our Skills & Drills weeks or Boat Handling weekends before starting the Cruising Instructor course. These provide a great opportunity to refresh your skills and ensure you’re well-prepared.