Practical & Theory
Sailing School

Next Practical Course 19 Mar - 23 Mar (Competent Crew)
Book Now

RYA Courses

Urban Truant is a leading RYA training centre based at both Swanwick Marina on the busy River Hamble and Port Solent, Portsmouth. If you’re thinking about getting away from your desk and doing something more exciting instead, then we have the course for you! On the water, online or ashore, we never compromise on quality and our friendly knowledgeable skippers and instructors are with you during every step of your learning experience.

RYA Sailing

RYA Sailing

RYA Training Centre Urban Truant offers a full range of RYA sailing courses, from Start Yachting to Yachtmaster™. Our friendly, experienced skippers deliver quality training on modern, well-equipped, comfortable yachts . Or you may prefer a customised package of Own Boat Tuition.
More Info
RYA Motorboat

RYA Motorboat

RYA Training Centre Own Boat Tuition is a fantastic way to help owners enjoy going further afield in their boat and we specialise in customising the training to suit the needs of owner and crew. Urban Truant also offers the RYA courses on school boats - Start Motor Cruising to Yachtmaster™.
More Info
RYA Powerboat

RYA Powerboat

RYA Training Centre Powerboating offers an exciting way to enjoy the water, but it’s vital that drivers are able to control their vessel at all times. Urban Truant offers a range of courses to help ensure all types of powerboating, including RIBs and day fishing boats remains safe and fun.
More Info
RYA Theory

RYA Theory

RYA Training Centre Classroom based courses are a thing of the past and waste your valuable free time! We have 1000's of students who enjoy completing RYA online theory courses at their own pace through our exclusive learning portal. Combined theory and practical discounts are available!
More Info

Create a personal Development Plan

Whether you’ve recently bought a new boat, or simply want to get more experience, a Personal Development Plan could be exactly what you need. Based on your requirements, our Chief Instructor will work with you to design a plan that focuses on the courses, miles or specific practice you need to consolidate your confidence and experience. A Personal Development Plan is all about you. Topics we have tailored for previous students include: maintenance and safety precautions, short-handed power and sail tactics, the specifics of your own yacht, and assisted passages.

Come and Be An Urban Truant!

Your boating experience should be nothing less than an Urban Truant experience. We want everyone to maximise their ‘truant’ time by getting out on the water in style and comfort, learn online using our dedicated portal, or at our modern training facilities. So come and have fun, create memories, and learn a new skill with Urban Truant!
All yachts used for training were launched in 2000 and our RIB fleet is updated every year! Top quality from start to finish and beyond.

3:1 Instructor Ratio

With your progression as our priority, we have chosen to impose a maximum of 3 students for every course held on board one of our boats. This best practice approach to our service gives you with more time with the instructor and more time practicing your skills. It also enables you and your instructor to focus on any weaknesses ... and you'll have a cabin to yourself!

Dedicated RYA Instructor Support

We pride ourselves on using the very best instructors available. They're a friendly and experienced team who understand the importance of taking the time to ensure you fully understand what you're learning. Our shorebased tutors include Yachtmaster Instructors, examiners and instructor trainers.

Modern Training Facilities

Our training facilities in Swanwick 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 our your charts. We'll also look after you during your time with us, as refreshments are included with every course, and decent coffee on tap!

Online Courses

Our exclusive 'SailingCourseOnline' portal offers an advanced way to learn at your own pace wherever you are, and works seamlessly across desktops, laptops and mobile devices. The content was specifically written to be read on a screen, with bite-sized modules, clean graphics and animations. Our team of shorebased instructors are on hand whenever you need them, and as they're additionally RYA Yachtmaster Instructors and examiners, they provide fast and knowledgeable assistance whatever your query.

Highfield RIBs

All our Powerboat training courses are delivered on our exceptionally maintained Highfield Patrol RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) which operate well at speed and close quarters maneouvres.

Once you have learnt to drive a RIB you can get access to Urban Truant's Urban Truant RIB Club.

Top Quality Yachts

Urban Truant's yachts are equipped and furnished with training and chartering in mind. Our yachts are well-maintained and no expense is spared for all of our gear and safety equipment. They have quality instruments including a modern Chartplotter, Radar and AIS. We also take your comfort seriously... You'll have space to savour downtime with your own cabin and 240v sockets when connected to shorepower. Marina fees are always included with an Urban Truant experience, and enjoy complimentary use of our lifejackets and wet weather gear.

About Us

Urban Truant is one of the UK’s leading RYA sail and power training schools. We’re based at Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble and Port Solent marina near Portsmouth. 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? 

Contact Us

Follow us to keep up to date with all our sailing courses and find out about exclusive discounts and competitions.