Urban Truant is a leading RYA training centre based at Hamble Point Marina on the River Hamble. We offer a comprehensive range of RYA sailing, motorboat, powerboat and shorebased theory courses — from complete beginner to Yachtmaster. Whether you prefer learning on the water, online at your own pace, or in the classroom, our experienced instructors deliver quality training tailored to your goals.
Full range of RYA sailing courses, from Start Yachting to Yachtmaster. Learn on modern, well-equipped, comfortable yachts with customised Own Boat Tuition options available.
A short introduction to sailing ideal for complete beginners. If you've always wondered what sailing is like and wanted to give it a go, this fun weekend aboard a yacht is the perfect first step.
Become an active, confident crew member with this hands-on course. Perfect for complete beginners, you'll experience onboard living, learn essential sailing skills, and receive continuous guidance from your instructor throughout.
A hands-on course highly recommended for anyone who regularly sails on board a yacht. Designed to improve your skills and build knowledge of all aspects of life at sea whilst skippering a sailing yacht during short coastal passages by day and night.
Build your sea miles with offshore cruising voyages to France, the Channel Isles and the West Country. Ideal for aspiring Yachtmasters or anyone wanting real passage-making experience in a safe, enjoyable environment.
The ideal progression after Day Skipper. Build confidence for longer, more complex passages including night sailing, watch-keeping systems, and heavy weather handling on coastal and offshore routes.
The MCA/RYA Yachtmaster™ Offshore qualification is recognised and respected worldwide. This course enables candidates to prepare for an exam covering refresher training in key maritime areas, culminating in an assessment with an external RYA examiner. Enables skippering of yachts up to 150 miles from safe haven.
Bespoke sailing training on your own yacht, ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about their new boat or consolidate knowledge of a boat they've owned for a while. The itinerary is shaped entirely to what you want to achieve, with our RYA Yachtmaster Instructors coming to you.
Own Boat Tuition customised to your needs, plus Start Motor Cruising through to Yachtmaster certification on our school boats.
Own boat tuition is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about their new boat, or consolidate knowledge of a boat they've owned for a while. We specialise in customising training to suit the needs of owner and crew, with our RYA Yachtmaster Instructors coming to you.
RYA powerboat courses for RIBs and day boats, from Level 2 through Intermediate to Advanced. Emphasis on safety, vessel control and confidence at speed.
A popular entry-level course that provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat safely at speed and in close quarters. Also enables the holder to obtain an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
Aimed at powerboat skippers craving to grow their knowledge and confidence to set out during the day into more challenging coastal waters and experience longer passages beyond the basics of Level 2.
Aimed at more experienced leisure and professional boaters who would like to consolidate their experience by achieving a more demanding qualification. Covers advanced techniques, passage planning, and seamanship at a higher level.
Own boat tuition is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about their new boat, or consolidate knowledge of a boat they've owned for a while. The itinerary is shaped entirely to what you want to achieve, with our instructors coming to you.
RYA Shorebased theory courses and online learning — from Day Skipper and Coastal/Yachtmaster theory to VHF Radio, Essential Navigation and CEVNI. Study online at your own pace through our advanced SailingCourseOnline portal, or join classroom sessions with experienced RYA instructors at Hamble Point Marina.
European inland waterway navigation qualification required for navigating the interconnected European inland waterways. A short multiple choice test to validate your ICC for European rivers and canals.
Complete your theory journey from Day Skipper through to Yachtmaster™ Offshore in one bundled package. Includes SRC/VHF Radio course.
Advanced navigation theory building on Day Skipper knowledge, aimed at more complex passages perhaps offshore or at night. Reach Yachtmaster standard with comprehensive online learning and four exam papers. 40 hours of study at your own pace.
Fundamental navigation and seamanship theory for anyone planning to spend substantial time on the water. Provides essential understanding of how to remain safe at sea and find your way home. 40 hours of online study at your own pace, with physical charts and materials shipped to you.
A fully online course ideal for anyone interested in getting out on the water — from RIBs and personal watercraft to diving and sea angling. Covers the essential knowledge needed when you're afloat, including tides, weather, and basic navigation.
The SRC is a minimum legal requirement for every British flagged vessel voluntarily fitted with a radio. Learn to operate marine VHF radio covering Digital Selective Calling (DSC) functionality, routine calls, and emergency Mayday procedures. Online self-study followed by practical exam at our training centre.
Practical assessment for your SRC licence at our RYA Training Centre. Requires 6-8 hours of self-study preparation followed by a short practical exam and theory assessment session at Hamble Point Marina.
Tailored Training
Every sailor has different goals. Our Personal Development Plans provide customised training programmes covering maintenance, safety procedures, short-handed sailing tactics, yacht-specific familiarisation and assisted passages. Whether you are working towards your Yachtmaster or simply want to build confidence, we will create a structured plan that fits your experience level and ambitions.
Engine checks, electrics, plumbing, and keeping your boat in top condition
Man overboard, fire, flooding, and emergency protocols practiced until second nature
Sail trim, tidal strategy, passage planning, and advanced manoeuvres
Learn your own boat inside and out, from rigging to instruments and systems
Build real-world confidence with guided passages along the Solent and beyond
Every plan is built around you — your experience, your boat, and where you want to go
Based at Hamble Point Marina on the busy River Hamble, Urban Truant is perfectly positioned for sheltered Solent sailing and easy access to cross-Channel passages. Our modern fleet of well-maintained yachts, Highfield RIBs and dedicated powerboats ensures comfortable, safe training in all conditions. With a maximum 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you get genuine hands-on experience — not just theory.
With your progression as our priority, we impose a maximum of 3 students for every course on board. This means more time with your instructor, more time practising your skills, and the ability to focus on any areas that need attention. You'll also have a cabin to yourself.
Our yachts are equipped and furnished with training in mind. Well-maintained with quality instruments including modern Chartplotters, Radar and AIS. We take your comfort seriously too — your own cabin, 240v sockets on shorepower, and complimentary use of lifejackets and wet weather gear. Marina fees are always included.
We pride ourselves on using the very best instructors available. They're a friendly, experienced team who take the time to ensure you fully understand what you're learning. Our shorebased tutors include Yachtmaster Instructors, examiners and instructor trainers.
Our exclusive SailingCourseOnline portal offers an advanced way to learn at your own pace, working seamlessly across desktops, laptops and mobile devices. Content is written specifically for on-screen learning with bite-sized modules, clean graphics and animations. Our instructor team provides fast, knowledgeable assistance whenever you need it.
Our training facilities at Hamble Point Marina provide small groups with the perfect environment to study and learn. The room is well-equipped with full audio/visual, a large whiteboard, and plenty of space to spread out your charts. Refreshments are included with every course, with decent coffee always on tap.
All our Powerboat training courses are delivered on our exceptionally maintained Highfield Patrol RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) which perform brilliantly at speed and during close-quarters manoeuvres, giving you confidence in a capable vessel.
Urban Truant is one of the UK's leading RYA sail and power training schools. We're based at Hamble Point Marina on the River Hamble, with the entire Solent within easy reach. Your RYA training course begins the minute you step on board one of our well-equipped modern boats or join us in our cosy training room equipped with the latest IT and learning aids.
We also offer online navigation courses delivered on our exclusive learning platform. Learn at your own pace — at home, on your commute — and our team of experienced instructors is ready to answer your questions, so help is never far away. This includes invigilated exams for the online Short-Range Certificate.
From learning to sail a yacht to driving a motor cruiser, from achieving your Day Skipper to gaining your radio qualification, and with a 7-day money-back guarantee and 15% discounts on multiple courses, how do you want to be an Urban Truant?
Get in touch to discuss which course is right for you, or browse our full range of RYA training courses below.