Average Cost to Learn to Sail in the UK: 3 Budgets

Learning How to Sail in The UK Based on 3 Budgets

Learning how to sail on a low budget

Below is a breakdown of the average cost of learning how to sail on a tight budget:

Expenses	Price Range
Sailing Club Membership	£50 - £150 per year
Sailing Lessons	£100 - £300 for a beginner course
Equipment Rental	£20 - £50 per hour

The table above shows that even if you are on a tight budget, you can still learn to sail without breaking the bank by doing the following:

1. Join sailing clubs

Joining a sailing club is a great way to get on the water and learn how to sail without breaking the bank. Most sailing clubs offer affordable membership fees, which will give you access to their boats and facilities. Some clubs may even offer beginner sailing courses as part of their membership package.

2. Look for group sailing lessons

If you are looking for more structured sailing lessons, there are many options available to you. You can find sailing schools that offer courses for beginners at a reasonable price.

These courses will cover the basics of sailing, including boat handling, sail trimming, and safety procedures. This is cheaper than private lessons since the average cost for group lessons is around £200-£300 for a weekend course.

3. Rent an equipment

Renting sailing equipment can be a cost-effective way to get on the water and learn how to sail. Most sailing schools and clubs will offer equipment rental, including boats, sails, and life jackets. This is a great option if you are not ready to invest in your own equipment yet.

Learning how to sail with a medium budget

Below is a table showing the average cost of learning how to sail with a medium budget:

Expenses	Cost Range
Private sailing lessons (10 hours)	£400-£600
Sailing course package (RYA Level 1 & 2)	£500-£700
Starter boat (used, small dinghy)	£500-£1,000
Certification courses (RYA Day Skipper)	£500-£800

If you have a bit more money to spend, you can consider doing the following:

1. Avail of private sailing lessons

Private sailing lessons allow you to receive one-on-one instruction tailored to your needs and skill level. They are a good option if you want personalized attention and a flexible schedule.

The cost of private sailing lessons ranges from £400-£600 for 10 hours, depending on the instructor's experience and location.

2. Consider getting sailing course packages

A sailing course package includes the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Level 1 and Level 2 . These cover the basics of sailing and prepare you for independent sailing.

These courses are usually taught in groups and taught over a weekend or several weekdays. The cost of a sailing course package ranges from £500-£700, depending on the location and the sailing school.

3. Purchasing a starter boat

A starter boat is a small, used dinghy that you can use to practice your sailing skills. It's a good option if you want to sail without renting a boat every time.

The cost of a starter boat ranges from £500-£1,000, depending on the size, condition, and age of the boat.While this may seem like a significant investment, it can be a cost-effective way to get started with sailing.

When purchasing a starter boat, consider also the cost of maintenance and storage. You'll also want to make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as a life jacket, before setting sail.

4. Avail of certification courses

For those who want a more structured approach to learning to sail, certification courses are a great option. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers a range of courses for sailors of all levels, including those on a medium budget. You can get certification for the following:

• RYA Day Skipper: The RYA Day Skipper course is an advanced sailing course that teaches you how to plan and execute coastal passages and handle a yacht in various conditions. It's a good option if you want to sail solo or charter a boat.
  The cost of this course ranges from £500-£800.

• RYA Competent Crew: The RYA Competent Crew course is a great option for those new to sailing. This course covers the basics of sailing, including navigation, boat handling, and safety procedures. The cost of the course varies depending on the location and duration, but you can expect to pay around £500-£700.

Learning how to sail with a high-end budget

The table below shows the cost range of what you can expect to pay to learn sailing if you have more than enough budget:

Expenses	Cost Range
Weekend luxury sailing course	£1,500-£2,500
Owning a yacht (new, mid-sized)	£50,000-£100,000
Hiring personal trainers (20 hours)	£1,000-£2,000
Expenses for marinas and moorings	£5,000-£10,000 per year

If money is not a problem, try doing the following to have more upgraded learning:

1. Opt for luxury sailing lessons

This is a high-end option that offers a premium sailing experience with luxury accommodations and personalized instruction. These courses are usually taught on high-end yachts and may include gourmet meals, spa treatments, and other amenities.

The cost of a weekend luxury sailing course ranges from £1,500-£2,500, depending on the location and the level of luxury offered. Some have prices around £2,000-£5,000 for a weekend course.

2. Consider owning a yacht

Owning a yacht is a high-end option that allows you to sail solo and enjoy the freedom of the open seas. A new, mid-sized yacht can cost anywhere from £50,000-£100,000, depending on the size, brand, and features.

A 40-foot luxury yacht, for example, costs around $150,000 (around £116,000), but this doesn't include extra costs such as registration, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and storage. So while owning a yacht can be a great way to learn to sail, it is not the most cost-effective option.

3. Hire personal trainers

Another high-budget option is to hire a personal sailing trainer. A personal trainer can help you improve your sailing skills and achieve your sailing goals. The cost of hiring a personal trainer costs around £50-£100 per hour so for 20 hours, the average cost will be £1,000-£2,000.

4. Take into account moorings and marina expenses

If you own a yacht, you will need to find a place to keep it. This can be expensive, especially if you want to moor it in a marina.

Marinas offer more services such as electricity, water, and security, but they come at a premium. The cost of docking a sailboat in a marina in the UK ranges from £1,000-£5,000 per year, but it can escalate to up to £5,000- £10,000 per year.

If you're looking for cheaper mooring rates around the UK, you might find this article helpful.

Other Costs to Consider To Learn to Sail

Below are other costs to consider beyond the cost of the course itself:

Additional Costs to Consider	Estimated Cost
Membership fee	£100 to £500 per year
Equipment purchase	£230-£840
Boat maintenance	£170-£750

Costs for club membership

If you plan on sailing often, you may want to consider becoming a member of a sailing club. Membership fees can vary, but range from £100 to £500 per year. Some clubs require an initiation fee, which can be anywhere from £50 to £500.

As a member of a sailing club, you'll have access to the club's boats and facilities, as well as the opportunity to take part in club events and races. This can be a great way to meet other sailors and improve your skills.

Costs for purchasing sailing equipment

If you're planning on sailing on your own or with friends, you'll need to buy sailing equipment. You can find the complete list of essential sailing gear in this article.

The cost of equipment can vary depending on what you need, but here are some estimated costs:

Item	Cost Range
Life jacket	£30-£100
Sailing gloves	£20-£40
Wet suit	£50-£200
Sailing shoes	£30-£100
Sunglasses	£20-£100
Binoculars	£50-£200
Sailing bag	£30 to £100

Costs of maintaining your own boat

Once you have your own boat, you'll need to consider the cost of maintenance. This can include things like cleaning supplies, replacement parts, and repairs. Here are some estimated costs:

Item	Cost Range
Cleaning supplies	£20-£50
Replacement parts	£50-£200
Repairs	£100-£500

Keeping your boat in good condition ensures your safety and the safety of others on the water. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of your boat. Annual maintenance costs of sailboats typically range from $2,000 - $3,000 or around £1,549 - £2,324.