Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential: Watersports Development Week

Location: Nestled between the New Forest National Park and the Solent, Calshot offers an unbeatable coastal setting with superb facilities and direct access to the water.
Ideal For:  Gold DofE participants (please check with your DofE Leader before booking) and anyone keen to gain watersports qualifications, explore instructor pathways, or simply enjoy an unforgettable week on the water.

Dive into a dynamic week of watersports adventure and skill-building at one of the UK’s premier outdoor education centres. Whether you're aiming to become a future instructor or just want to experience the thrill of sailing and powerboating, this residential combines fun, challenge, and personal development in equal measure.
Participants will work towards achieving their RYA Level 1 Sailing and RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualifications both valuable stepping stones for anyone considering a career in outdoor education or watersports instruction.

🔍 What You’ll Experience
⛵ RYA Level 1 Sailing - Learn the fundamentals of dinghy sailing on the Solent, with expert instruction and plenty of time on the water.
🚤 RYA Powerboat Level 2 - Gain hands-on experience driving powerboats, covering safety, navigation, and boat handling.  Earn an essential qualification for working at watersports centres and a stepping stone to working commercially.
🌊 Coastal Exploration - Discover the stunning Solent coastline by boat, learning about tides and marine navigation.
💬 Instructor Insights - Meet experienced RYA instructors and outdoor professionals who will share their journeys, tips, and advice on how to get started in the industry.
🎯 Team Challenges & Leadership - Take part in fun, team challenges designed to build confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

Additional Information
- Arrive between 0900-1200 Monday morning. Leave from 1345 Friday.
- Participants will stay in our accommodation buildings right here on the stunning Calshot Spit.
- The first meal is served at Monday lunchtime and the last meal served at Friday lunchtime.
- Earn two nationally recognised RYA qualifications
- Explore pathways into watersports instruction and outdoor careers
- Build confidence, teamwork, and leadership in a supportive environment
- Make lasting friendships with fellow adventurers
- This activity may count for your DofE Gold Residential. Please check with your DofE Leader before booking.

- Sunday night accomodation: Available on site (subject to availabiltiy and for participants being aged 18+).
- Transfers: Available from Southampton Train Station (subject to availability).
- Please email calshot.bkgs@hants.gov.uk for more information or to register your interest. 

- To process you Powerboat Level 2 certificate we will have to share your information with the RYA

Looking for a more general activity week check out our Personal Development & Adventure Week
or for a more Environmental week check out our Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences and Adventure week

If you can’t see any availability, email us at calshot.bkgs@hants.gov.uk to see when this activity will next be available to book or to register your interest with us.