Cruising Instructor Development Programme
Join Sail Squad’s 4-week Cruising Instructor Development Programme, a one-of-a-kind course designed to bridge the gap between Yachtmaster Offshore and becoming a confident RYA Cruising Instructor.
Created by our Chief Instructor and Cruising Instructor Trainer, Martin Andrews, this intensive programme combines instructor shadowing, hands-on coaching with real students, and targeted teaching practice. Unlike the standard 5-day Cruising Instructor course, this extended format offers deeper insight, more real-world experience, and the chance to build true teaching confidence.
Developed for qualified Yachtmasters, it provides structured support in lesson planning, feedback delivery, boat handling, and communication; everything needed to step into instructing with skill and credibility.
This isn’t just about passing the CI course. It’s about becoming an instructor who’s ready to lead, teach, and inspire from day one.
Week-by-Week Breakdown
Week 1: Induction & Shadowing
- Warm welcome and induction from CI Trainer Martin Andrews.
- Spend 5 days observing RYA courses such as Start Yachting, Competent Crew, and Day Skipper.
- Daily feedback sessions and Q&As with the Sail Squad instructor team.
- Conclude the week with 2 days of boat handling and berthing practice at our River Hamble base.
Week 2: Theory & Teaching Preparation
- Refresh and deepen your knowledge of key sailing theory concepts to the instructor level.
- Develop structured lesson plans for the Start Yachting, Competent Crew, and Day Skipper RYA courses.
- Practice delivering theory and practical sessions in line with RYA learning outcomes.
- Learn how to provide feedback, coach effectively, and manage challenging scenarios.
- Prepare for your Cruising Instructor course with mock teaching scenarios and roleplay to enhance your readiness.
Week 3: RYA Cruising Instructor Course & Moderation
- 5-day Cruising Instructor Course also delivered by Mart.
- Moderation on the final day by a second RYA Cruising Instructor Trainer.
- Intensive focus on teaching delivery, observation, and structured feedback.
- Emphasis on teaching skills over sailing skills, which should already be well established.
Week 4: Start Teaching & Action Plan
- Deliver real training sessions to Sail Squad clients under instructor supervision.
- Receive detailed daily feedback and one-on-one coaching.
- Identify areas for development and create an Action Plan to refine your teaching skills.
- One-on-one coaching and support throughout.
- Wrap up with career advice, ongoing mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
Who This Cruising Instructor Programme Is For
This programme is designed for skippers who are serious about becoming great instructors, but know they need more time, support, and experience than a 5-day course can provide.
It’s ideal for those seeking a structured, supportive, and immersive pathway into teaching, especially if you’re looking to build confidence, sharpen your coaching skills, and gain real-world experience before stepping into the instructor role.
With time to grow, expert mentorship, and hands-on teaching practice, this course bridges the gap between Yachtmaster Offshore and Instructor. It gives you the tools and environment to develop at your own pace, long before you’re expected to teach solo.
Cruising Instructor Pre-Course Requirements
- Must hold RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate (theory & practical)
- Must have a strong understanding of sailing theory and practical seamanship
- Should have extensive practical experience beyond the RYA syllabus
- Completion of RYA interactive online Cruising Instructor Knowledge Check
Booking & Dates
This 4-week Cruising Instructor training programme runs throughout the year.
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Port Hamble Marina, Southampton, UK
Price: Contact us (includes comprehensive training, accommodation, meals, and all course materials)
Included:
- Online pre-course knowledge check
- 5-day Cruising Instructor course
- Teaching materials
- Mooring fees
- Onboard accommodation
- All food onboard
- Waterproofs & safety kit
- Fuel costs
Give us a call to explore the programme and start your instructor journey with Sail Squad today.
What Can You Teach as a Cruising Instructor
Once qualified, you’ll be able to teach:
You can teach at RYA Recognised Training Centres worldwide. Many graduates go on to teach in the Solent, and successful candidates may be invited to join the Sail Squad team.
Why Choose This Programme?
Mentored by a Cruising Instructor Trainer
All training is personally delivered and overseen by Sail Squad’s Co-Owner, Chief Instructor, and RYA Cruising Instructor Trainer.
Train with Real Clients
Shadow experienced instructors delivering live RYA courses. Observe authentic coaching, client interaction, and real-time course delivery.
Advanced Boat Handling
Refine berthing and close-quarters manoeuvres in the challenging tidal conditions of our River Hamble base.
Lesson Planning & Theory Workshops
Go beyond the RYA Cruising Instructor syllabus with focused sessions on teaching theory, coaching techniques, and building effective lesson plans.
Teach Immediately After Qualifying
Step into a teaching role straight after your Cruising Instructor course, consolidating learning with the guidance of Sail Squad instructors.
Daily Feedback & Mentorship
Receive regular one-on-one coaching, structured feedback, and support from professional full-time instructors to help you grow with confidence.
Structured Progression
Move from observation to supervised teaching with clear learning goals and step-by-step development throughout the programme.
Pathway to Employment
Graduates who demonstrate the right skills, mindset, and professionalism may be invited to join the Sail Squad team.
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.
All training takes place in the Solent, based out of our home marina on the tidal River Hamble, one of the UK’s busiest and most respected sailing grounds.
We offer flexible start dates depending on instructor availability and course demand. Please contact us directly to discuss the best time to begin.
Upon passing the RYA Cruising Instructor Course, you’ll be qualified to teach RYA Start Yachting, Competent Crew and Day Skipper practical sailing courses at RYA Recognised Training Centres worldwide.
Sail Squad’s programme provides real-world teaching experience, opportunities to shadow professional instructors, intensive coaching, and additional berthing practice, offering much more than the standard 5-day CI course alone.
Possibly! If you pass the course and align with our standards and teaching philosophy, there may be opportunities to join our instructor team.
You will be training on Sail Squad’s modern 37ft cruising yachts, which are equipped for Solent sailing and designed for effective client instruction.