Junior Courses (age 8 upwards)
Stage 1
A safe and fun filled introduction to sailing in Optimist dinghies. The course will follow the RYA stage one syllabus and will teach you how to rig, launch and sail your dinghy wherever you want to go. A very basic introduction to sailing to enable the complete novice to handle a dinghy safely and successfully in light winds and under supervision.
Dates -
Cost -
Stage 2
A follow on course from Stage 1 with the emphasis still on fun. Using games and structured sessions the instructors will guide and encourage you to practise skills and learn new techniques whilst building confidence and an awareness of safety. For children who already have some basic knowledge, a chance to gain confidence afloat as well as putting theory into practice.
Dates -
Cost -
Stage 3
Now that you’ve mastered the basics we are looking at sailing confidently by yourself, sailing the boat in a safe and efficient manner. By the end of the Stage 3 course you will be safety conscious and be able to sail a dinghy confidently in light winds. Captain of your own dinghy you will practise sailing backwards, forwards, upwind, downwind, tacking and gybing to your hearts delight.
Dates -
Cost -
Stage 4
Stage is all about practicing the skills learnt on stage 3 until they become second nature. This course also looks at sailing double handed boats and being an effective crew and helm team in preparation for moving on to one of the 5 modules in the National Sailing Scheme.
Dates – 6/7 September
Cost -
Supervised Sailing
One evening a week we offer a session open to all members and training members, with no formal teaching, just a chance to sail with instructors in attendance and available to give pointers and provide safety cover where required. This is an ideal opportunity to build your confidence following a course or if you are new to sailing, safe in the knowledge that there is an expert there to lend a hand should it all go wrong, or you want a little help with something you are struggling with and then be left to practice in a safe environment.
Dates – Every Monday evening from 5 May to 1 September (6.00 – 9pm)
Cost -
Summer courses
Topper Camp
Four days of training and fun and games. Children will be split in to small groups of 7 or 8 depending on their ability and work towards improving their skills and perhaps towards an RYA certificate. The last day is more of a fun day with games and a regatta for all participants.
Dates – 28 – 31 July
Cost – tbc
Oppi Camp
Very similar to topper camp but as the name suggests for those who sail Optimists.
Dates – 19 – 22 August
Cost – tbc
Multi Activity Course
An action packed week with the emphasis on fun rather than learning where you will get wet and have lots of fun learning to Sail, Kayak and drive powerboats as well as raft building and land based games.
Date – 4 – 8 August
Cost -
5 day Sailing Course
The aim of this course is to provide a thorough introduction to the sport of dinghy sailing in an intensive five day programme. By the end of the week you should have achieved Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on previous sailing experience and ability. Each stage is usually 2 days so depending on weather and personal progress it should be possible to progress through two stages. As with the weekend courses you practise all the basics ashore and afloat whilst having lots of fun and games along the way.
A great way to learn to sail and meet new friends from within the club.
Date – 11 – 15 August
Cost -
2 day Sailing Course
similar to the 5 day course but shorter. A chance to give sailing a try with out committing to a full week of instruction. By the end of the course you should have achieved Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on previous sailing experience and ability.
Date – 25/26 August, 28/29 August
Cost -
If you would like more information about any of the courses or are looking for something slightly different please contact the Training Centre Manager on 07914 249877 or 01425 483692 or email training(at)spinnakerclub.co.uk
Training is available to members and non members. Non club members are required to take out a training membership which lasts for 6 months and allows them access to unlimited training within that period. Membership rates for 2008 are £30 for adults and £20 for children under 18. The training membership fee is deducted from the cost of full membership if you join the club within 6 months training membership expiry.