RYA Youth Stages 1, 2 or 3 (in one weekend)

RYA Youth Stages - This course is for either Stage 1, 2 or 3 so is suitable for absolute beginners and novice sailors.

There is a small charge for this course and please note that Membership fees are in addition to the training fees.

Skills will be signed off as they are completed and certificates will be awarded if a Stage is completed. Expect to have to attend all sessions to complete a Stage from scratch.

Dates: Friday 15th, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th August 2025

Timing: Friday 17:45 - 19:45, Saturday & Sunday 8:45 for a 09:00 start, finishing at 16:00 including stowing equipment at the end of the session

Teaching ratio: 1 instructor to 6 students

Each junior member must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of each session.

Details of the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme can be found on the RYA website: https://www.rya.org.uk/training/small-boat-sailing/dinghy#DSyouth

Please remember sailing is a weather dependent sport – so if it is too windy or if there is no wind we will tailor the programme to suit the conditions.

Theory

All RYA courses are based on the appropriate RYA Handbook and are designed to give you the skills, experience and confidence to gain your RYA certification. As the time on the course is limited, and to maximize the time gaining practical skills on the water, you may be asked to complete theory work at home or read ahead.

Clothing

• We suggest you wear layers of warm quick drying clothing (no denim!), protected by a wind/waterproof layer. To protect your feet and the boat wear canvas shoes / trainers / wet boots / sailing wellies. Unfortunately, bare feet, high heels, and gardening wellies are NOT allowed.
• Please remember a hat and gloves for courses in cold weather along with sunscreen, a cap and cheap sunglasses with a restraining strap for warm weather courses.
• Always bring a change of clothing and a towel with you, as there is a strong chance you will get wet!! Especially on capsize drill day.

Safety

Buoyancy Aids
You must always wear a buoyancy aid on jetties or while afloat in a boat. In addition children under 14 must wear effective buoyancy at all times when outside the clubhouse, whether on or off the water. For the duration of the course you may borrow a club buoyancy aid from the training room but please ensure this is returned at the end of each session.

Helmets
Safety helmets are compulsory for everyone under the age of 16 years when taking part in any sailing activity under the supervision of an Instructor. We have plenty available from the training room and again please remember to tidy up and return everything back to where you found it.

Emergency contact
Each junior member must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of each session. In case of an accident we have asked you for the details of an emergency contact, please ensure this information is up to date.

Medication
If you are on medication that you think we may need to know about please tell us, also if you need an inhaler or epi pen please ensure these are easily accessible.

Pre existing injuries
Please inform your Senior Instructor of any injuries.

Instruction

• The course programme is not rigid. Weather conditions may mean alterations need to be made to the sequence of the course however all the listed exercises will be covered during the course.
• RYA Handbooks and Logbooks will be issued as required (the cost is covered by the course fee) and if appropriate you will get the appropriate certificate at the end of the course. Please ask your Instructor to sign off the stages of your progression in your Log Book after each session.
• If you are having problems or are not happy with any aspect of the course, please discuss them with your Instructor, Senior Instructor or Training Principal.
• Each person is individual; we expect them to progress at their own rate. We will help you to progress, and will work at a pace to suit you where appropriate.
• We hope you will not have any complaints but please note if required we do have a formal complaints procedure, to investigate any issues.

And finally . . . .
The Club is indebted to the volunteers who are qualified RYA Instructors and who willingly give up their time to ensure we are able to offer these courses.

Booking T&Cs