Our youth sailing courses (age 8 to 16) are based on the RYA National Youth Sailing Scheme and are held over 2 or 3 days during the school holidays. With a combination of the appropriate courses, and practice in WYC Cadet Sessions, you can go from being a complete beginner to becoming a confident, independent sailor and have a lot of fun in the process!
To find out more, download the RYA youth course brochure here.
Youth logbooks can be bought here: Youth Logbook
RYA Youth courses at Easter and October half term are located at Westbere Lake, Fordwich (near Canterbury) for two days and then at WYC on the third day, weather dependant.
RYA Stage 1
This course is for complete beginners. You will learn how a boat works and how to sail across the wind.
Assumed knowledge: None
Course content: Basic rigging, leaving and returning to the shore, turning around.
Ability after course: to sail a boat supervised.
Boats we will use: The children will be sailing in pairs in a Topaz or a Pico. Occasionally we will use a larger boat called an Argo with an instructor – weather and ability dependant.
Timing: we will be 9am to 4pm each day with a 45 minute lunch break.
All clothing, boat hire, a certificate and logbook are included in the cost.
RYA Stage 2
This course is for those that have completed the RYA Stage 1 course. You will learn to sail in different directions around a course.
Assumed knowledge: Sailing skills to the standard of RYA stage 1.
Course content: Develop the skills needed to sail around a course and understand the basic principles, as well as rope work and collision avoidance.
Ability after course: to be able to tack and control boat speed.
Boats we will use: The children will be on their own in Toppers or in pairs in a Topaz or a Pico. Occasionally we will use a larger boat called an Argo with an instructor – weather and ability dependant.
Timing: we will be 9am to 4pm each day with a 45 minute lunch break.
All clothing, boat hire and a certificate are included in the cost.
RYA Stage 3
This course is for those that have completed the RYA Stage 2 course. You will learn better sailing techniques as well as manoeuvres such as coming alongside a boat and man overboard recovery.
Assumed knowledge: Sailing skills to the standard of RYA stage 2.
Course content: Develop rigging and sailing techniques, capsize recovery and sailing theory, as well as launching and recovery skills.
Ability after course: To be able have the confidence and skills to sail in all directions in moderate conditions.
Boats we will use: The children will be sailing in Toppers.
Timing: we will be 9am to 4pm each day with a 45 minute lunch break.
All clothing, boat hire and a certificate are included in the cost.
RYA Stage 4
This course is for those that have completed the RYA Stage 3 course. You will apply and improve on what you learned in Stage 3 in double handed boats.
Assumed knowledge: Sailing skills to the standard of RYA stage 3.
Course content: Continue to develop rigging and sailing techniques, now in double hander boats.
Ability after course: To be able have the confidence and skills to sail in all directions in moderate conditions in a double hander. This is a great course for developing more advanced skills and improving communication.
Boats we will use: The children will be sailing Fevas or Topaz with Jibs.
Timing: we will be 9am to 4pm each day with a 45 minute lunch break.
All clothing, boat hire and a certificate are included in the cost.