Learn to Sail with Sunsail Sailing Schools
Your first sail. Your new skill. Your next adventure.
There’s nothing quite like trimming the sails, taking the helm, and feeling the boat respond beneath your hands. Learning to sail opens a new world of travel, one that puts the journey in your hands—and the sea at your feet.
At Sunsail, we believe sailing should be thrilling, not intimidating. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone returning to sailing after a break, our RYA-accredited sailing schools are designed to build your confidence at every stage. From your first tack to skippering your own yacht, we’re here to guide you.
With expert instructors, stunning destinations, and a mix of hands-on training and real-world experience, our sailing lessons give you the freedom to go further. The benefits of learning to sail mean that this is not just a course; it’s the first chapter of your sailing story.
Choose your Sailing Course
Sailing Courses for Complete Beginners
Sailing Courses for Sailors with Some Experience
Sailing Courses for Intermediate Sailors
Sailing Courses for Advanced Sailors
Shore-based Sailing Courses
Speciality Sailing Courses
Online Sailing Courses
Power Sailing Courses
Choose your Sailing School
The best way to learn sailing is to get out there, and our three Sunsail sailing schools are set in some of the most rewarding places to do it. Each one offers RYA-accredited training in real conditions, with expert instructors by your side.
Whether you want sun-drenched Mediterranean waters or the tidal challenge of the UK coast, you’ll find a base that suits your style.
Here are some of the best places to learn to sail:
Learn to Sail in Croatia (Agana)
Tucked between pine-covered islands and calm Adriatic waters, our Agana base is ideal for beginners and intermediate sailors. The wind is reliable but manageable, and the scenery is unbeatable. Think medieval villages, secret anchorages, and smooth cruising from island to island.
You’ll learn to sail while exploring destinations like Hvar, Brač, and Šolta, building real experience with every mile. It’s also one of the most peaceful and spacious sailing areas in the Mediterranean, which gives you plenty of room to practice.
Courses here include RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper, and our Flotilla Starter and Hero courses.
Speak to our Expert Team
Learn to Sail in Greece (Lefkas)
Lefkas is a dream for anyone learning to sail: protected waters, warm temperatures, and short hops between islands like Meganissi, Ithaca, and Kefalonia. There’s just enough wind to challenge you as you grow, but not so much that you’ll feel out of your depth.
You’ll sail in the calm Ionian Sea with our friendly, experienced instructors, learning close-quarters handling, anchoring techniques, and navigation. And when the day’s training is done, you’re moored in a sleepy fishing harbour with taverna food and sunset views. It’s not just a sailing school – it’s a holiday too.
Courses in Lefkas include RYA Competent Crew, RYA Day Skipper, Flotilla Starter and Day Skipper.
Speak to our Expert Team
Learn to Sail in the UK (Portsmouth)
If you want to learn how to sail in real tidal conditions, there’s no better place than our UK base in Portsmouth. The waters of the Solent are known around the world; not only for their strong sailing heritage but for providing a challenging, rewarding training ground.
Here, you’ll gain the kind of hands-on experience that sets you up for anything: reading tides, navigating busy harbours, trimming sails in changeable weather, and building total boat-handling confidence. Our UK sailing school is open year-round and offers the full RYA pathway, from beginner courses all the way to Yachtmaster Offshore.
It’s ideal for sailors who want to work their way up to chartering abroad, or simply get a serious skill set close to home.
Speak to our Expert Team
What will you learn on a Sunsail sailing course?
We teach on the water (not in a classroom), meaning every hour helps you build muscle memory and confidence.
Learning to sail will give you the confidence to leave the marina, navigate real conditions, and pick up a mooring without second-guessing yourself.
Sunsail’s sailing courses teach practical, real-world sailing skills you’ll actually use. The actual contents of your course will be tailored to your level of sailing experience, but at a glance, some of the areas we cover are: sail trim, knots, safety drills, navigation, tides, anchoring, boat handling, and more – always under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Your Sailing Story Starts Here
If you’ve been wondering how to learn sailing or searching for the right place to begin – this is it. A Sunsail sailing course gives you the skills, the experience, and the spark that turns curiosity into confidence.
You won’t just be learning to sail. You’ll be discovering new coastlines, joining a community, and finding a new kind of freedom. Whether you dream of skippering your own yacht or just want to try something new on holiday, this is where it starts. Soon, all of our destinations will be at your fingertips.
Let’s get you on the water.
Learn to Sail Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started in sailing?
The best way to get started in sailing is by joining a beginner-friendly course such as RYA Start Yachting or RYA Competent Crew. These courses are designed for people with no previous experience and teach you the basics of boat handling, safety, and daily life on board. With Sunsail, you will be on the water from the very beginning, supported by expert instructors who guide you every step of the way.
How do you learn to sail a boat?
You learn to sail a boat by getting hands-on experience in real sailing conditions. Sunsail courses are designed to teach you through practical learning. From steering and trimming sails to anchoring and navigation, every skill is taught while you are actively sailing. You will gain confidence and ability by doing, not just watching.
Is sailing hard to learn?
Sailing is not hard to learn when you are taught in the right way. With supportive instructors and a structured course, most beginners pick up the essentials quickly. Learning to sail is easier than many people expect, especially in calm and sunny locations like Greece or Croatia. The more time you spend on the water, the more natural it becomes.
Why learn to sail?
There are many reasons why people choose to learn to sail. Sailing gives you the freedom to travel differently, the confidence to try something new, and the skills to explore coastlines at your own pace. Learning to sail is not just about qualifications. It is about discovering a new way of life, whether you are holidaying with family or dreaming of skippering your own yacht.
What age can you start sailing?
You can start sailing from a young age, with some courses suitable for children aged eight and older. There is no upper age limit, and many adults take their first sailing lessons later in life. Whether you are learning on your own or with family, Sunsail offers youth, adult, and family-friendly courses to suit every stage.
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