Learning to dinghy sail on the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour in Dorset is the perfect way to have a hands on go at sailing. The centre is based right in the middle of one of the most beautiful sailing areas in the country which also happens to be Europe's largest natural harbour.

Thanks to the natural harbour, the area is renowned for offering some of the UK's safest sailing waters and with expert tutors on hand to get you up and sailing the sea you're sure to have a great day at sea.

You'll also learn a lot with sessions on helming, crewing, sailing upwind and sailing downwind. Of course, if you really take to the sport you can progress to a proper RYA (Royal Yachting Association) level 1 weekend course from the same supplier. 

Allow being at the centre all day, with the course running from 09:30 to 17:00. Typically, there will be one instructor per three participants and you'll be sailing in Wayfarer dinghys. Alternative sailing courses are available on our main sailing and RYA section and are bookable online.


Every Saturday March - November . Starts 09.30 finishes 17.00.


Poole Harbour, Dorset.


Minimum age 14, maximum age - none. If you can get in it, you can sail it.


Spectators are welcome to watch, but may not be able to see all the action at sea. However, there is plenty to do around the sailing centre and in Poole itself.