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Keelboat Courses 
Learn to sail a keelboat, inside the M25!
Why keelboats? Sailing on bigger boats is fun, keelboats won't capsize like dinghies and there is no need to wear a wetsuit as you don’t get so wet! These larger boats provide a stable platform for sailing without the physical stress of hiking-out, or crouching; reducing stress on back, hips and knees. You will find there's more space in the boat to move around and a different social dynamic; and with 4 or 5 people on the boat, the crewing experience can be far more rewarding.
Join QM Keelboat membership and save up to 50% on keelboat courses
Why at Queen Mary? Our reservoir is one of the few inland venues in the UK which can launch and recover these larger boats, with a professional set up, for events, training courses and membership. We are proud to deliver this service at our west London venue inside the M25! No tide, reduced travel and back in time for tea!
Like this idea... then Keelboat sailing is for you!
- Beginner Sailors - RYA Keelboat Level 1 followed by your RYA Keelboat Level 2. These courses run over a full weekend (09:30 - 17:00 each day). You will learn all the basics of keelboating alongside general sailing skills. (Courses details and booking links below)
- Experienced Sailor - 'RS21 Keekoat Conversion' This course is a keelboat orientation day, convert your Dinghy experience (minimum Dinghy L2) to keel boating, to show you how they are used here at QMSC and get to grips with the differences compared with dinghies. (Courses details and booking links below)
Also - Check our Sailing> RS21 keelboating page for more opportunities.
Sailing Taster Session
The perfect way to get a taste of sailing at Queen Mary Sailing Club.
Once you have received an introduction, the group will take to the water on our RS21 Keelboats. Up to four crew sailing under the supervision of an RYA keelboat instructor.
We use the biggest boats to give you a great experience...no sailing experience is needed!
Keelboat RYA Level 1: Start Sailing
The Keelboat RYA Level 1 - Start Sailing course assumes that the student has not sailed before. After you have learnt to rig the boat and received an introduction to the boat's controls, the group will take to the water to experience for the first time under the close supervision of a qualified RYA keelboat instructor.
Note: 20% discount for Standard and Select members.
Keelboat RYA Level 2: Basic Skills
The Keelboat RYA Level 2 - Basic Skills course assumes that the student has previously achieved the RYA Level 1 - Start Sailing certificate. This course builds on the skills learned, introduces new ones and supports you along the way to becoming an independent sailor.
Note: 20% discount for Standard and Select members.
Keelboat RYA Level 3: Better Sailing
The RYA Level 3: Better Sailing assumes that the student has previously achieved the RYA Level 2: Basic Skills certificate. By the end of this course, you will be safety conscious and capable of sailing as part of a crew in moderate conditions. Successful completion of this course is the ideal preparation (and pre-requisite) for starting the RYA Advanced Modules.
Women's RS21 Keelboating Day
Come along and get sailing in an RS21 with like-minded women. This course is suitable for all abilities from beginner to advanced. After two years of successful days, our last for 2023 is on the 4th November. Get involved now and feel free to invite your female friends or family! Supported by female instructors.
Women's Christmas Keelboating
After our very successful Women's Keelboating Day, here's the opportunity to touch base at Christmas time with us all. A half day of keel boating to celebrate the festive season - christmas hats compulsory! A great day open to all abilities for women supported by female instructors. We hope to see you all soon!
Keelboat Group Coaching
Do you want to get more practice keelboating in our RS21's under the supervision of one of our instructors? A perfect opportunity to practice your skills before your next RYA Course. Aimed at anyone with RYA Keelboat L1 or above looking to practice general upwind/downwind sailing, five essentials and manouveres.
RS21 Keelboat Conversion
Come and get orientated with our RS21 keelboats, developing your teamwork and communication skills to become confident in keelboats, and to endorse your RYA Level 2 certificate with keelboat recognition if you have this qualification.
Prior to attending this course you should have comfortably mastered the skills learnt on the Dinghy Level 2 sailing course or have equivalent sailing experience.
RS21 Race Training
Improve your keelboat racing skills with a morning of training and an afternoon race series. Come in teams or with an ideal role in mind e.g. helm. A great day of race training for experienced sailors.
RS21 Spinnaker Training
Get out on the water and learn to use an asymmetric kite on an RS21. Learn the different roles involved and get quick at your hoists/drops. This course is perfectly designed for those who already have a general understanding of spinnakers. Please ring the QM Office if you have a query about suitability and note this is not an RYA course.
£125.00
RYA Keelboat Sailing with Spinnakers
Have you been enjoying sailing our fleet of RS21's but looking for a new challenge? Come and spend two days getting to grips with the spinnakers. You'll learn everything you need to know from hoists, drops and gybes to helming with a spinnaker. A great course for anyone with their Keelboat Level 3 or equivalent experience.
RYA Keelboat Seamanship Skills
A great opportunity to expand your keelboating skills further. Work towards the RYA Seamanship Skills certificate learning all about sailing in adverse conditions and increase your general sailing knowledge.
RYA Keelboat Start Racing
Looking to get in to racing? This is the course for you! Get out on the race course and learn the basics needed to get competitive. Held in our fleet of RS21's, it's also a great teamwork day. You must have RYA Keeelboat L2 or equivalent experience. Please note: This course requires a minimum of 6 participants to run.
RS21 Match Racing Intro
Fancy trying your hand at match racing? An introductory session for those with prior racing experience and comfortable sailing RS21's. Learn a few tricks to beat your opponent with this day of training. The afternoon will consist of a race series to see who comes out on top.