RYA DINGHY SAILING LEVEL 1 & 2

For Training Application Form email ‘training@ardensc.org.uk'

Beginners Sailing Instruction

Introductory courses for beginners, aged from twelve years onward (under fourteens must be accompanied by a responsible adult), leading to a certificate at Level One or Level Two of the Royal Yachting Association's National Sailing Scheme.

Level 1 Course

16 hours over two days, how to rig a boat, trim the sails, steer a course (Tacking and Gybing), Points of sailing, Leaving the landing stage, lee shore landing, dry capsize drill, Mark rounding, weather, "Rules of the Road" (IRPCS), knots

Level 2 Course

16 hours over two days building on the level 1 course, recap tacking and gybing, Man Over Board, Coming alongside, Capsize recovery drill, introduction to racing.

The majority of the course takes place in a boat, normally with a fully qualified instructor and one other other trainee. By the end of the L2 course, the successful sailor will be safety conscious, have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing a small dinghy in light winds.

Course Availability 2024

18th & 19th May Training weekend

29th & 30th May Training Weekend

Course Cost

Either family or individual membership of the Club entitles you to a 33% (£100 for one course, £200 for two courses) discount on a sailing course for one person, this enables you to get to know the club but more importantly actually go sailing as crew with members before your course starts.

For non members each course is £150 each - if Level 1 and 2 booked at the same time a £25 discount is offered (£275). Children attending a course with an adult £120.

Sailing is FUN

Sailing can lead to fresh challenges including dinghy racing, which the Club organizes at the site most Sundays or simply potter about on the river!

Owning a boat is not essential as the Club have boats available for members and there are opportunities to crew for others if you choose to join the club.

Boats

Dinghies used for instruction are chiefly GP14's, normally crewed by two people plus an instructor.

Capsize

Accidental capsize is possible but highly unlikely. Personal buoyancy aids are provided and a safety boat is on hand to deal with such an event. Capsize can best be described as a "stimulating and interesting experience". A planned capsize and recovery drill is an integral part of the certificate award at Level Two of the RYA National Sailing Scheme.

Sailing Gear

Course fees cover the use of boats and all ancillary equipment including buoyancy aids. No special clothing is required, but a warm sweater and a windproof anorak are necessary. Soft-soled non-slip footwear is essential.

Weather Conditions

Excessively strong winds or conversely, no wind at all - or persistent rainfall makes for difficulties in learning to sail. Advantage is taken of such circumstances, should they occur, for essential but low-key discussion on the theory of sailing, the 'rules of the road' and safety procedures.

Over-subscription

Should courses be oversubscribed, places will be allocated in the order of applications received.