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 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 0900-1130 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
- You will need to bring a Passport sized photo for you Powerboat certificate
- Calshot is an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This course is also recognised as suitable for the Residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

- Sunday night accomodation: Available on site (subject to availabiltiy and for participants being aged 18+).
- Transfers: 11am pick-up 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
- National Sailing Scheme Syllabus and Logbook, and Powerboat Scheme Syllabus and Logbook included - please add to booking (only 1 free logbook per participant will be honoured). These are the official syllabus and logbook for learning to sail dinghies, and for Driving Powerboating through the RYA National Sailing/Powerboat Scheme.
- Start Sailing Handbook is an optional add-on for the course - This is an ideal learning and reference tool packed with the essential knowledge that you need to get afloat, regardless of your age. Each chapter guides you through essential information on areas key to learning the sport. Chapters include Rigging your boat, Going afloat, Basic skills, Tacking, Gybing, Leaving and returning to shore.
- All books will be given to participants on the 1^st day of the course.
- If the book add-ons don't appear in your basket please continue with the booking and reply to the confirmation email, and we will be able to help you add them to your booking.

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.