Dinghy Sailing Courses - Junior

What is the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme?

The RYA Youth Sailing Scheme is a structured and enjoyable pathway designed specifically for young sailors, typically aged between 8 and 16. It introduces children to sailing in a safe, fun, and progressive way, helping them build skills and confidence on the water.

The journey begins with Stage 1, which focuses on making sailing enjoyable and accessible. Young sailors learn how to launch and recover a dinghy, steer, and understand the basics of controlling the sail. This stage is all about getting comfortable with the boat and the water, often through games and short, hands-on sessions that encourage enthusiasm and confidence.

Once Stage 1 is complete, Stage 2 builds on those basics by developing more independence. Children begin to sail a dinghy on their own in light winds, learn to tack and gybe more smoothly, and gain a better understanding of wind direction and how it affects the boat. Simple ropework and basic safety principles are also introduced, with a focus on encouraging self-reliance.

In Stage 3, sailors take a big step forward. They start to make decisions on the water, sail more efficiently around a set course, and handle the boat in moderate conditions. This stage covers essential skills such as man overboard recovery, improved boat handling, and an introduction to the theory of sailing, like understanding points of sail and weather awareness.

Finally, Stage 4 is typically done in double-handed boats and introduces teamwork, as children learn to sail both as helm and crew. They take on more advanced maneuvers, refine their seamanship skills, and plan short day sails. This stage brings together everything learned so far, helping young sailors become confident, capable, and ready to explore more advanced sailing or racing options.

How Does This Work at Shotwick Lake?

At the beginner sessions the only item the sailors need is suitable footwear some old trainers or similar are fine, swimming costume & towel. All other equipment is provided including buoyancy aid, wet suit, spray suit, helmet and boat.

The sessions generally run over four evenings giving a total of 8 hours training. These sessions are aimed at beginners and at the end of the sessions the sailors should be able to sail in light winds. The sessions are open to non-members and for sailors from the age of 8 years upwards. We use our Optimist or Topper dinghies (depending on age / weight). At the end of the sessions if you wish to continue we ask that you become members of the club (at very reasonable membership fees) and move up to the Club Night group, you are able to borrow a club boat for these improver sessions but preference will be given to new beginners using the club boats so start to think at that stage of obtaining your own boat. (Second hand Optimists and Toppers are in the region of £300 to £700 and depreciate very little)