Average Cost to Learn to Sail in the UK: 3 Budgets
No matter what your budget is, whether you're on a tight budget or have a bit more wiggle room, you have options to learn to sail in the UK. Let's find out the average cost of sailing courses in the UK suitable for each budget and what to expect of it.
For low-budget learning, take up group lessons for just £100-£300 for a beginner course. If you can spend more, take private sailing lessons for £400-£600 for 10 hours, or purchase a sailing course package for £500-£700. If money isn't an issue, you can opt for luxury sailing lessons which cost around £1,500-£2,500.
For low-budget learning, you can also opt to join sailing clubs for as little as £50 - £150 per year. Some clubs have beginner sailing courses as part of their membership package which is a cheap way to learn quickly. Let's see what each budget buys you, and how to get your money's worth.
Summary
- One of the best ways to learn to sail in the UK is to purchase a starter boat, usually a used dinghy to practice in.
- On a medium budget you can take certification courses offered by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and you can either choose to take the RYA Day Skipper course or RYA Competent Crew.
- While owning a yacht can be a great way to learn to sail, it is not the most cost-effective option. Aside from the price of the boat itself, you will need to take into account additional maintenance costs as well.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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