Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert RYA Sailing & Motorboat Training in Bisham
Bisham Abbey Sailing School has been delivering Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited training for over 30 years. Established in 1992, we operate from our dedicated riverside classroom at the National Sports Centre, offering tailored sailing and powerboat instruction on the River Thames. Our facilities include HD projection, electronic chart plotting, and flexible seating for small-group or one-to-one lessons, ensuring a personalized learning environment. With a fleet comprising 32 sailing dinghies, eight motorboats, and specialist vessels for accessible boating, we cater to both commercial and private clients. Our instructors, holding RYA Motor Boat Handling and Dinghy Sailing qualifications, provide training from February to December on the water and year-round theory courses.We partner with Accessible Boating Thames, a charity offering water-based experiences for individuals with disabilities, by donating our equipment and expertise. Clients can charter larger vessels for private events, combining Thames navigation with bespoke onboard arrangements. As a seasoned training provider, we emphasize practical skills development and progression through RYA youth and adult schemes. Our waterfront operations and community-focused approach have cemented our reputation as the Thames' longest-standing commercial RYA training centre.
Services
RYA Dinghy Sailing
Motor Boat Handling
Classroom Courses
Boat Safety Inspection
Skippered Charter
Accessible Boating
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We've delivered RYA-certified training for 30 years on the River Thames
- Our classroom features HD projection and electronic chart plotting technology
- We offer one-to-one instruction with a student-to-instructor ratio of 4:1
- We partner with Accessible Boating Thames for inclusive water experiences
- Our flexible scheduling accommodates client needs across 10 months annually
Associations and certifications
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
What people say
Fantastic feedback
Flexible scheduling
Expert training
Accessible boating
Modern facilities
Services
RYA Dinghy Sailing
Professional RYA Dinghy Sailing instruction on the Thames using 32 modern dinghies. Courses run from Easter to September, focusing on practical skills development and certification progression. Ideal for both novice and experienced sailors seeking structured training in a river environment.
Motor Boat Handling
RYA-certified Powerboat Handling courses operating year-round (February-December). Training available on four different size vessels, including a 17m Dutch barge. Develop skills in navigation, anchoring, and passenger handling for commercial and recreational purposes.
Classroom Courses
Modern classroom instruction with HD projection and electronic chart plotting tools. Courses held during winter and spring months covering navigation, safety procedures, and RYA certification requirements. Maximum six students per session ensures personalised attention.
Boat Safety Inspection
Professional safety inspections for privately-owned vessels. Our certified instructors assess compliance with RYA standards, focusing on equipment functionality and operational safety. Available as a standalone service or integrated with client-owned boat training sessions.
Skippered Charter
Luxury vessel charters available for private events and corporate functions. Each vessel accommodates up to 12 passengers with flexible departure times. Bring your own catering and decorations for customised Thames experiences departing from our Bisham base.
Questions
Do you offer sailing courses for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, through our partnership with Accessible Boating Thames, we provide specialist vessels and adapted equipment for individuals with physical and learning disabilities.
Can I use my own boat for training sessions?
Yes, we can arrange training on privately-owned vessels following an initial safety inspection to ensure compliance with RYA standards.
Are charters available for corporate events?
Yes, our skippered charter service accommodates up to 12 passengers for corporate team-building and special occasions on the River Thames.
What certification programmes do you provide?
We offer RYA's adult and youth sailing schemes, Motor Boat Handling courses, and safety certification with progression pathways for all skill levels.
Can I get one-to-one instruction?
All courses are available in one-to-one format with flexible scheduling options to meet individual learning requirements.
Reviews (5)
Tina Wyles
Aug 22, 2021
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Have just had a fantastic day with Peter as instructor. He gave me the confidence to navigate our 60 foot wide beam barge through locks on the Thames as well as teaching me to ferry glide into a mooring using wind and stream. Despite strong winds on the day, Peter showed us how our bow thruster was totally unnecessary. I did things with ropes that I didnt know you could do and the icing on the cake was to see my captain being crew ! Thoroughly recommend the boat experience day. Thank you Peter
Vicki Barker
Jul 24, 2021
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I spent a day working with an instructor on power boat handling: I wanted to learn how to take our 32' boat through locks on the Thames singlehanded. My instructor, Gaius, was calm and patient and somehow managed to impart a vast amount of information and expertise in a relaxed manner. While I was there, a class of Special Educatonal Needs children arrived for a day on the river. I could see the Bisham Abbey volunteers did all they could to make the experience memorable and fun for them. And the setting: the Thames near Marlow is absolutely magical. Hughly recommended!
David Morris
Jul 12, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Very professional sailing school. I was on the inland waterways helmsman course. I learnt so much on boat handling, that it saved me investing in a bow thruster.
Very professional sailing school. I was on the inland waterways helmsman course. I learnt so much on boat handling, that it saved me investing in a bow thruster.
Ian Newman
Jul 21, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Just completed a PB2 course with Bisham Abbey. Really went out of their way to provide the course whilst adhering to Covid requirement. Really friendly people with great instruction. Would thoroughly recommend these guys for your boating needs. Thanks Peter
Just completed a PB2 course with Bisham Abbey. Really went out of their way to provide the course whilst adhering to Covid requirement. Really friendly people with great instruction. Would thoroughly recommend these guys for your boating needs. Thanks Peter
James Grant
Sep 30, 2019
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I have just completed the five day (weekend) day skipper theory course with Tom as tutor. Very engaging, his experience and encyclopedic knowledge is impressive. I learned a lot and enjoyed the time doing it. And all in a great setting beside the Abbey and the river too!
