Courses we have on offer at ESSA.

NSSA (National Schools Sailing Association) Awards

Bronze, Silver, Gold

We combine the NSSA Scheme with the RYA youth sailors scheme, as they are both similar in award structure. This means when you book on the RYA scheme you wil also get the NSSA award as well.

RYA Youth Sailors Scheme

(Open to everyone under 16)

Stage 1

Have fun, get wet, go sailing. An action packed Introduction to the sport.

Stage 2

Finish off the starter skills and get control. Progress through the basic skills.

Stage 3

By the end of a Stage 3 course you've learnt to sail in any direction, launch and recover, and feel in command of your boat.

Stage 4

After this course, you've arrived: you can make your own choices afloat, manoeuvre at close quarters and trim your sails expertly.

You can now go on and choose from the advanced modules after the adult level 2

 RYA National Sailing Scheme

(For Youth (over 16) & Adults)

Start Sailing Level 1

An introduction to the sport, covering the minimum knowledge required to get afloat under supervision.

Basic Skills Level 2

Become a competent sailor in light winds.

Advanced modules

Seamanship Skills

How to handle the boat in all circumstances and solve problems afloat. This course will give you a solid foundation for all your sailing.

Day Sailing

Passage planning and decision making for small boat cruising. Tidal weekends are organised at other centres on the East coast.

Sailing with Spinnakers

Everything you need to know to enjoy modern, three-sail boats.

Start Racing

The start line for enjoying club racing. All you need to know to get round the course and lay the foundation for winning.

Taster sessions

Still not sure? Try a taster session. We run these regularly during the spring and summer to give a chance for you to take to the water, initially with one of our experienced sailors at the helm to show you how. After a demonstration, if you wish you can have a go yourself.

RYA National Powerboat Scheme

Level 1 Introduction to Powerboating

A practical introduction to boat handling skills for the beginner.

Level 2 National Powerboat Course

Be competent - learn the essentials to be a skilled Powerboat driver (Also the basis of the International Certificate of Competence: Power up to 10m).

Safety Boat Course

Boat handling & positioning skills, towing, and safety considerations when acting as a safety boat, escort craft, or coach boat for racing or training activities.

Shore based training

RYA One Day First Aid Course

First aid and resuscitation techniques for yachtsmen, including a knowledge of the treatment for hypothermia. You need a current 1st aid cert. to be one of our safety boat drivers.