Courses
RYA Courses
(from 2 days – suitable for individuals, couples, or household groups)
Eastwood Whelpton offers a wide range of courses at Upton using the Royal Yachting Association’s National Sailing Scheme.
With just a few days personal coaching you will be able to develop the skills required to become a capable skipper enjoying the freedom to sail the Broads network with confidence.
If you already sail but would like a refresher or want to increase your boating skills and sailing performance, we can help you with your own personal sailing plan or with RYA advanced courses.
From just £199
per person
RYA Levels 1 and 2
- Safety & kit check
- Go sailing – introducing your yacht, sailing area, rigging & ropework
- Basic boat control, 5 essentials
- Sailing to windward and downwind
- Points of sail
- ‘Rules of Road’ & river rules
- Speed control, stopping, coming alongside
- Tides, weather
- Sailing a triangular course
RYA Level 3
- Revision of L1 and L2
- Wind appreciation
- Tacking & Gybing, Lying To
- No Go Zone, No Stop Zone, Windward, Leeward shores
- Sail trim to steer boat
- Finer point of boat control, figure of eight, tight circles
- Stern boarding (sailing backwards!)
- Mooring preparation & planning
- Man Overboard Recovery
- Effect of tide & Current Shifted Wind
- Passage Planning & boat management
Seamanship Skills, Day Sailing and ICC Assessment
- Revision of all key aspects of L1,2,3
- Ropework
- Weather & Tides
- Rigging for different weathers
- Departure planning
- Dealing with unforeseen circumstances & sailing in adverse conditions
- Sailing backwards
- Sailing terminology
- Towing
- Anchoring

Start Sailing
The RYA Level 1 course introduces a complete beginner to the thrills of sailing and can be taken as a residential course over a short break aboard one of our yachts or as a non-residential course for 2 days using one of our half deckers. Those with some experience can try a Level 2 ‘Basic Skills’ module to develop their knowledge.
Our 5 day Level 1 and 2 ‘From Zero to Hero’ learn to sail course is very popular and will give you the skills, experience and confidence to handle your yacht independently.
Other modules, covering passage making and seamanship skills are also available. All courses are extensively practical and also include an element covering specific Broads sailing skills. Find a friend or bring your family and grow your sailing skills with us!
How to Book
Get in touch to organise your course. We try to tailor our courses to individual and family needs and work with you to prepare a superb outdoor learning experience that you will enjoy.
Our qualified instructors have many years experience of Broads sailing. You will meet your instructor each morning and sail on different Broads or rivers while you complete the syllabus with their expert knowledge and guidance. Successful candidates will receive the appropriate RYA certificates.

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Testimonials

“We had a fantastic trip aboard Windjammer. The staff at Eastwood Whelpton were very helpful and the boat was clean and tidy on arrival. All social distancing was maintained as we did the introduction before setting sail.”
Richard Hirst

“Best way to unwind… in the wind! After the fun and excitement of arriving and setting sail, you can feel life’s pressures falling away. Eastwood Whelpton is a lovely family owned boatyard on the beautiful Norfolk Broads. A short stay gives you just enough time to sail up to Hickling and Horsey, two lovely sailing destinations, where you can experience life at a pace it is meant to be. Cannot wait until we go again!”
Caroline & Jeremy Naylor

“So good we went twice summer 2020! Lovely friendly yard, great service, boats well kept and in good condition. Ropes replaced when getting worn, which is so important for enjoying sailing. Goodie bag and pint of milk in the fridge on arrival – they really take care of you.”
Pippa & Stewart Yuill

“Wonderful family sailing on the Broads. Eastwood Whelpton are an extremely friendly and professional team and this year also offering a very Covid-aware service, along with their traditional warm welcome. Just boarding begins to replenish the soul and a week aboard is life enhancing.”
Jon & Alison Waltho – Summer 2020