A comprehensive RYA training centre based on the Cornish coast, offering Yachtmaster preparation, shorebased theory, VHF radio, powerboat and engineering qualifications from entry level through to professional certification.
Book direct →Falmouth School of Sailing is an accredited RYA Training Centre based in Falmouth, Cornwall — one of the finest natural harbours in the world and a hub for offshore sailing in the UK. The school delivers the full range of RYA practical and shorebased programmes, from Day Skipper Theory through to RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exam preparation, making it a natural home for both recreational sailors and those pursuing professional qualifications.
Alongside the flagship Skipper Development Programmes — which include integrated RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Yachtmaster (Sail) training — the school runs a broad suite of RYA Short Courses covering VHF-GMDSS radio, diesel engine maintenance, first aid, and radar. Engineering qualifications including the AEC, MEOL, and Y-tickets are also available, catering to crew working towards professional certificates of competency.
As a SuperyachtUK member and British Marine affiliate, Falmouth School of Sailing maintains strong links to the wider maritime industry, ensuring its syllabus stays aligned with commercial and superyacht sector requirements. RYA interactive online theory options are also offered, giving students flexibility to complete shorebased elements remotely before joining practical courses on the water.
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore exam preparation training delivered within the cruising programme, plus a modular RYA Yachtmaster (Sail) training programme under their Skipper Development Programmes. Suitable for those targeting professional certification.
Book on Falmouth School of Sailing →RYA theory courses including Day Skipper Theory, Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory, and RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory, with RYA interactive online options available for flexible study.
Book on Falmouth School of Sailing →VHF-GMDSS radio Short Range Certificate course, delivered as part of the RYA Short Courses programme alongside diesel engine maintenance, first aid, and radar — covering the essential safety communication qualification required for offshore passages.
Book on Falmouth School of Sailing →RYA Powerboat Level 2 included within the school's Skipper Development Programmes, providing the essential powerboat handling certification for crew working with tenders and fast rescue craft in a professional context.
Book on Falmouth School of Sailing →Engineering qualifications including the Approved Engine Course (AEC), Marine Engine Operators Licence (MEOL), and Y-tickets, meeting the certification requirements for crew and officers operating in engineering roles afloat.
Book on Falmouth School of Sailing →Handling Emergencies at sea and Local Marine safety training at the operational level, covering the regulatory safety requirements for those operating vessels in a professional or charter capacity.
Book on Falmouth School of Sailing →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Falmouth School of Sailing before booking.
Falmouth's oldest hotel, dating from 1640, perched on the harbour with a private jetty, nautical-themed rooms, and a harbourside restaurant serving fresh local seafood.
View options →A well-regarded luxury bed and breakfast on Melvill Road offering ten en-suite rooms, free parking, and free WiFi, many rooms with distant sea or harbour views.
View options →Self-catering apartments beside Gylly Beach with full access to the resort's spa, pool, health club, and restaurants — a good option for longer training stays.
View options →Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY) — approximately 27–34 miles from Falmouth (road distance approx. 28 miles). By taxi or hire car: approximately 43 minutes. By bus (line 94 then line 32): approximately 2 hours 15 minutes with a transfer, costing around £5–£6. Car hire is available at the airport via Europcar and Hertz. For international connections, Exeter (EXT) and Bristol (BRS) airports offer broader routes with onward rail to Truro and Falmouth.
Falmouth Town and Falmouth Docks stations are served via the Maritime Line branch from Truro (approx. 20 minutes, twice-hourly). Great Western Railway (GWR) runs direct high-speed services to Truro from London Paddington (approx. 4.5 hours). CrossCountry serves Truro from the Midlands, North, and Scotland. Falmouth Town station is the most central stop; Falmouth Docks is the terminus closest to the waterfront.
Falmouth Town Quay and Prince of Wales Pier are served by Fal River Links, operating the St Mawes Ferry and Flushing Ferry. Year-round passenger ferry runs between Falmouth and St Mawes (approx. 20-minute crossing, up to 3 sailings per hour in summer, hourly in winter), plus year-round ferry to Flushing village and additional seasonal river cruises to Truro and Helford.
View ferry timetables →From London or the South East: M4/M5 to Exeter, then A30 west through Cornwall to the A39 Falmouth spur — typically 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on traffic. Falmouth is at the end of the A39 and well signposted from the A30 trunk road. Town-centre pay-and-display car parks are available at The Moor and Events Square. The Greenbank Hotel and Dolvean House both offer free on-site parking. Falmouth can be congested in summer, so early arrival is advised.
Open in Maps →Newquay (NQY) is the nearest airport but has limited international routes; most visitors arriving by air use Exeter (EXT, approx. 65 miles) or Bristol (BRS, approx. 120 miles) and connect by train. The Maritime Line rail branch to Falmouth Town is the most convenient public-transport arrival option once in Cornwall. Local ferry services are particularly relevant for those attending training on the Fal estuary or exploring the Roseland Peninsula.