Celebrating 50 fabulous years!
Founded in 1976 by the Gordon family, Rockley began life as a small family-run sailing operation, famously operating from a caravan on the beach in Poole Harbour.
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Watersports
Blogs
Blogs
From the Office to the Open Waters - Steve's Journey to Becoming an RYA Dinghy and Powerboat Instructor
Following early retirement, six years ago, Steve took on the task of attending the RYA National Sailing Scheme. Two years on, he’s embarking on his first season with Rockley as a fully qualified RYA…
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Blogs
“I didn’t get where I am today by not being an RYA Dinghy Instructor.”
Rockley Owner and RYA Trainer Peter Gordon looks at how the RYA Dinghy Instructor course has evolved over the years, and how the ‘Rockley way,’ is to give students the tools to succeed.
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Blogs
50 Years of Rockley in 2026: Peter Gordon on Steering the Ship
From accountant to adventurer, Peter Gordon has spent decades at the helm of Rockley Watersports. In this candid conversation, he shares the highs, the chaos, and the proud moments that have defined…
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Blogs
From Poole Harbour to the Atlantic: Jenna Vincent’s Journey with Just Row With It
From teaching sailing in Poole Harbour to rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic - Jenna Vincent’s journey is one of courage, connection, and chasing the impossible. Read how her time at Rockley…
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Blogs
New course structure, same Rockley impact.
We’ve updated our RYA Youth Sailing courses to 3- and 5-day formats, giving young sailors more time on the water, more opportunities to build confidence, and extra flexibility if the weather doesn’t…
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Blogs
From Derbyshire to Dorset – Lis Gordon’s Rockley Journey
What happens when a girl from landlocked Derbyshire falls in love with sailing? For Lis Gordon, it sparked a lifelong adventure that took her from borrowed dinghies and summer jobs on the south coast…
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Blogs
Freya Black: "You Absolutely Belong Here"
At Rockley, we know the impact a single experience on the water can have. Whether it’s that first breeze in your sail or the first time you feel fully in control of your boat, it’s a feeling that…
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Blogs
Why for Sarah, Rockley will always hold a special place in her heart
From her first sailing course with Straw at Rockley in 1988, to picking up her 16-year old son Oscar on completion of his RYA Dinghy Instructor - also with Straw, we catch up with Sarah Robinson and…
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