To do an ASA course all you need is to charter your own boat (from an ASA approved company) and add an ASA instructor-skipper. Historically charter and courses haven’t gone hand in hand. The RYA insist on ‘coded’ vessels (a set of boat safety standards) and charter companies have no appetite for spending money upgrading and maintaining coded yachts. So RYA training boats are few and, while there are a few yachts for private instruction, on the whole those who want certification usually need to join a sailing school boat; not great if you don’t fancy a week on a yacht full of strangers.

So the novice sailor should give the ASA serious consideration. But what are the downsides? For UK citizens there are no facilities in the UK. Most people learn ASA in the non-tidal waters of the Meditteranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. In fact if you want to sail and learn in the Caribbean only ASA courses are available. Secondly, not many people in Europe know about it. You’ll have to explain yourself: “I’ve got the Bareboat Chartering Standard.” “The what?” “The ba-re-bo-at-char-ter-ing-stan-dar-d.” As a result it doesn’t have the authority of the RYA. Third of all, the novice courses thrown you straight into the action. There’s no ‘competent crew’ equivalent. You get right in behind the helm, skippering as well as sailing. But conversely for many people the business-like ASA starter course may be more attractive than a lighter-weight starter course. And besides, now there’s a legal responsibility on the helmsman as well as the skipper it makes sense to ask more from your crew.

True, it’s a more expensive option than a sailing school because you pay for the whole boat and not just the berth. But you can enjoy your holiday time with your own charter, get dedicated one-to-one tuition, do what you want to do and learn at your own pace. So in many ways it represents a better value option than the school boat system. And the downside that only a few people know ASA? Well, learning to sail is learning to sail. Charter companies are interested in sailing skill whether ASA or RYA. ‘Day Skipper’ and ‘Bareboat Chartering Standard’ both show a level of a competence and bareboat charter companies understand that as well as anyone.

Some groups will opt for instruction and structured outings. A more seasoned and adventurous group might go sailing in the Royal Harbour at Ramsgate, or even cruise the Kent coastline in open water. Most folks will want to begin with inshore lakes and waterways.

Those near to Southampton will find a vibrant scene on the Southampton water. Dinghy clubs and marinas with boats for hire are placed near to food and lodging if needed. Club races and a full range of events can be found in the area.  The water sports centre at Calshot is a good location to get instruction for your group.

Bassenthwaite Lake is the largest Inland body of fresh water in the U.K. One can rightfully expect to find a vibrant sailing scene here.  Larger towns around the lake such as Whitehaven have a range of dining from Macdonald’s on up and accommodations for overnight trips.

Pitsford water is the third largest water in the U.K. Supplying the town of Northampton with water this reservoir is also used for fishing, bird watching and of course sailing. In the event that you must travel with those who won’t sail excellent walking and cycling trails around Pitsford provide an alternative.  This is great water for group outings being 750 acres large. The National Police recently staged their dinghy sailing championships on this water.

Derwent water is considered by some to be one of the most scenic in the Lake District.  The water is three miles long and is dotted with islands. The scenery surrounding Derwent makes for a pleasurable day on the water.  The town of Keswick has every level of accommodation from camping to full service hotel.

Poole is a prime dinghy sailing destination for those ready to venture beyond the lakes. Among the renowned beaches is Rocky Sands Beach. A sailing school and hobie cat rental are located here. This beach is not used for swimming and is a great place to sail. Sandbanks Peninsula is a family friendly beach with sailing schools and clean beaches. Near to Poole, Bournemouth in Dorset has Boscombe pier and other places to get under way. Schools and hire outfits will get your group on the sea.

Dinghy sailing is popular and big enough to offer adventures for all types of sailors.  Hire boats and schools are found near most suitable waters. Once ashore, your location can be isolated and serene or in a town with another whole set of experiences waiting. Sailing is a wonderful day on the water with your group, and one you won’t soon forget.