Our Purpose:
Get sailors sailing.
The Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) is both a charity that improves military efficiency through sport and a Service Sports Association that delivers the sport of sailing for the Royal Navy, Royal marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the maritime reserves. We are wonderfully supported by over 5000 members of the Association, Naval Charities and carefully selected commercial partners. Our purpose is simply to ‘get sailors sailing’ in order to allow them to reap the many benefits of regular participation in sport.
Our Sailing Academy is a virtual portal designed to signpost events, identify opportunities and shape pathways for all those looking to sail with the Royal Naval Sailing Association. Whether you are a beginner or more expert, we offer a wide range of activities across all areas of sailing, including yachting, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and foiling.
Your Calling:
Be ready to catch the wind!
At the RNSA, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional training and support for sailors of all levels. Our experienced instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring your sailing journey is both safe and enjoyable. Whether you're seeking the thrill of competition, the serenity of cruising, the excitement of windsurfing, or the agility of dinghy sailing, we have something to offer you.
Yacht Racing
Unleash your competitive spirit and push the limits of your sailing skills with our exhilarating yacht racing program.
Read MoreYacht Cruising
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and set sail on a serene voyage of discovery.
Read MoreDinghy Sailing
If you are looking for an easy, affordable, sociable and accessible way to learn to sail or compete in a wide variety of events then dinghy sailing is perfect for you.
Read More
Navigate
Your Way to
Adventure
Yacht Racing
Unleash your competitive spirit and push the limits of your sailing skills with our exhilarating yacht racing program. From adrenaline-pumping regattas to friendly club races, we provide the perfect platform for you to test your mettle against fellow sailors. Our experienced instructors will guide you on the intricacies of tactics, sail trim, and boat handling, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the thrilling world of yacht racing.
Our Yachts
RNSA owns a Sunfast 3600, a Corby 29 and J80, all of which are regularly raced in events ranging from Wednesday evening club racing to the infamous Fastnet Race to highly competitive RN representational regattas.
Locations
We primarily run our yachting racing from Portsmouth and Plymouth , although the regattas take us around the UK and even on occasion abroad.
How to Join
Please register your interest and experience with RNSA’s offshore committee using the contact email below. This team of enthusiastic volunteers will then get in touch and explore the right pathway for you.
Contact
Mail to: rcoffshore@rnsa.org.uk
Yacht Cruising
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and set sail on a serene voyage of discovery. Our cruising division offers a wonderful opportunity to explore new horizons, visit stunning coastal destinations, and forge lifelong friendships with fellow cruisers. Whether you dream of leisurely coastal cruising or embarking on an adventurous offshore passage, our association provides a supportive environment for you to hone your navigation, seamanship, and boat management skills.
Our Yachts
RNSA owns a Sunfast 3600, a Corby 29 and J80, all of which are regularly raced. Cruising, however, is much more about members using their own boats to join in with ‘cruises in company’ or organised Rallies. This is volunteer led and often coordinated through our Branches based around the country. There are sometimes spare berths available and the event lead will be able to advise on specific opportunities.
Locations
We have Branches in each Branch runs its own programme:
- Portsmouth
- West Country
- Portland
- North West
- Isle of Man
- Medway
- Scotland
- East Coast
How to Join
Please register your interest and experience with RNSA’s cruising committee using the contact email below. Our Rear Commodore Cruising will be in touch and help you find the right way to enjoy yacht cruising.
Contact
Mail to: rccruising@rnsa.org.uk
Dinghy Sailing
If you’re looking for independence, a fast-exciting learning curve, and a fantastic connection to the water then why not learn the fundamentals of sailing in one of our modern sailing dinghies at one of our water activity centre’s. you can choose to go solo in a singlehanded boat or perhaps develop your skills in a double-handed with another sailor. We’ll teach you the fundamentals and support you with coaching as you progress your sailing.
Our Boats
RNSA has a fleet of RS200, 2000 Class, and RS Aero’s which are available to support specific events or help enable individuals to campaign a boat. We also have 2 Aero’s with Glide free kits, and a Skeeta which are designed to introduce and develop members to the exciting new discipline of dinghy foiling. Our First Flight sessions are extremely popular.
Locations
We have boats in 4 key locations, where you can learn to sail, develop your skills, and from where we primarily run our racing from.
- Whale Island Portsmouth
Contact: Dean Oakey - Faslane Naval Base
Contact: Martin Peacock - The Camber Plymouth
Contact: Richard Griffin - ASF Portland Race training 2000’s
Contact: Simon Horsfield
How to Join
Please register your interest and experience with RNSA’s Dinghy committee using the contact email below. This team of enthusiastic volunteers will then get in touch and explore the right pathway for you.
Contact
Mail to: rcdinghies@rnsa.org.uk
Windsurfing
Experience the exhilaration of windsurfing, whether you’re an intermediate, or already blasting around in the foot straps, come and be part of our community. Why not hone your skills on our annual overseas sports tour to Vasaliki, or join in with our regular training from out of Thorney Island in Chichester Harbour. So, if it’s hooking into the harness, locking your feet into the foot straps, mastering the carve gybe, representing the RN at inter-service events on either fin or foil, and beyond then please get in touch.
Our Kit
RNSA have a wide range of windsurfing boards to get you afloat. Whether you're learning to windsurf, want to blast around on freeride kit, race on Slalom kit, develop your foiling skills, or learn to master sailing on formula kit we have the board and a full quiver of sails ready for you.
Locations
We primarily run our windsurfing events from Thorney Island and Portland , but Calshott is popular and there are events across the country. Vasiliki in Greece has proved a very popular destination for our annual training camp.
How to Join
Please register your interest and experience with RNSA’s windsurfing committee using the contact email below. This team of enthusiastic volunteers will then get in touch and explore the right pathway for you.
Contact
Mail to: rcwindsurfing@rnsa.org.uk
RN Sailing Manager
As your sailing manager, I’m here to support you in getting involved with all aspects of our sport whether that’s in yachts, keelboats, Dinghies, or Windsurfing. If you're new to our sport, developing or already an expert we have opportunities available to you.
With annual training camps, inter-service level racing, National level Match racing, IRC offshore racing, or perhaps you pass on your knowledge and experience to train to become an instructor then please get in touch, with either myself or one of our 3 excellent well equipped RYA training centres directly, which are in Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Faslane.
Set Sail
for Success
Learn to sail with us
From Zero to Hero!
At the Royal Naval Sailing Association, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional training and support for sailors of all levels. Our experienced instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring your sailing journey is both safe and enjoyable.
Whether you're seeking the thrill of competition, the serenity of cruising, the excitement of windsurfing, or the agility of dinghy sailing, we have something to offer you.
Come and join our vibrant community of sailors today. Experience the camaraderie, the adventure, and the sheer joy of sailing with the Royal Naval Sailing Association.
A full range of dinghy courses are run from the Sailing Centres in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Faslane. Windsurfing training is routinely run from Thorney Island and Portland. Yacht training is usually delivered through the JSASTC, but for selected crew, RNSA provides bespoke opportunities.
Get in touch to start your sailing adventure now!
Events Calendar
Offshore Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| No Events in the Calendar | ||
Dinghy Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 02 - 04 Jun 25 | Commodores Invitational Regatta | Cowes @YRYS |
Windsurfing Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| No Events in the Calendar | ||
Cruising Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 19 May - 26 Jul 25 | RNSA 90 - Great British Cruise | Around Britain |
| 01 - 30 Jun 25 | The Great British Cruise and Challenge | Around Britain |
| 08 - 08 Jun 25 | GB Challenge Crew Change Ardrossan | Ardrossan |
| 15 - 15 Jun 25 | GB Challenge Crew Change Dunstaffnage | Dunstaffnage |
| 22 - 22 Jun 25 | GB Challenge Crew Change Dunstaffnage | Dunstaffnage |
| 29 - 29 Jun 25 | GB Challenge Crew Change Arisaig | Arisaig |
| 01 - 26 Jul 25 | Great British Cruise and Challenge | Around Britain |
| 06 - 06 Jul 25 | GB Challenge Crew Change Wick | Wick |
Raise Your Sails.
Raise Your Impact.
Volunteer with us!
Are you passionate about sailing and looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our sailing community? Join us as a volunteer at the Royal Naval Sailing Association and become an integral part of our mission to promote the joy and art of sailing.
As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the world of sailing while supporting our various programs, including Yacht Racing, Cruising, Windsurfing, and Dinghy Sailing. Whether you're an experienced sailor or new to the sport, we welcome your enthusiasm and dedication.
Whether you're interested in assisting with race management, event coordination, safety support, coaching, or any other aspect of sailing, we have volunteer roles suited to your interests and availability.
To join our team of dedicated volunteers, please contact us in the office. Contact details below.
We greatly value the time and commitment our volunteers bring to our association. Your dedication helps us continue to provide exceptional training and support to sailors of all levels.
Share the expertise
If you have sailing knowledge and skills, volunteering is a fantastic way to share your expertise with others. Help us inspire and guide fellow sailors, both on and off the water.
Make a difference
Your contribution as a volunteer will directly impact the success of our association and the experiences of our members. Together, we can create memorable and transformative sailing journeys.
Connect & Inspire
Foster a sense of community: As a volunteer, you'll become part of our vibrant sailing community, forging connections and friendships with like-minded individuals who share your love for the sea.
Learn and grow
Volunteering offers an excellent opportunity to expand your own sailing knowledge and skills. You'll have access to ongoing training and support from our experienced instructors.
Contact us
To join our vibrant community of sailors or to inquire about any of our sailing divisions—Yacht Racing, Cruising, Windsurfing, or Dinghy Sailing—please reach out to us using the contact information below.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the camaraderie, adventure, and sheer joy of sailing with the Royal Naval Sailing Association. Get in touch with us today to start your sailing adventure.
We can't wait to welcome you aboard.
Fair winds and following seas,
The Royal Naval Sailing Association Team
+44 (0)2392 - 521 100
