This learn to sail course is taught over two days, usually separate weekends. It is suitable for beginner sailors and will work through the RYA Level 1 Start Sailing syllabus.

It will be taught in single hander dinghies at Killington Reservoir and will aim to teach the basics of rigging, launching, recovering the dinghy, sailing across the wind, turning the boat through the wind and what to do in the event of a capsize.

Learning in single handers allows you to learn quickly and most people sail in single handers after attending courses. The instructor will be based from a safety boat offering support and tips throughout.

During this course we aim to maximise water time, but there will be some land based theory such as knot tying, rules of the road and land drills practicing skills.

In the event of inclement weather we may have to simplify and reduce the time on the water, including but not limited to limiting how many people are on the water at one time.

This course includes the Start Sailing handbook, log book and any achieved certificates if wanted.

Members' Discount

There is a discount for Arnside Sailing Club members under Add Ons

Club Membership 2024

£80 individual, £90 family

(+£20 per annum per membership for using Arnside club dinghies outside training courses.)

https://arnsidesailingclub.co.uk/join/

If you wish to pay via a different method or have questions please contact chiefinstructor@arnsidesailingclub.org.uk. Due to the nature of my role working on sessions, it may take a few days for me to respond.

Dates are

1st & 8th June

22nd June & 6th July

10th & 17th August

The course is suitable for beginners and improvers.

You should be able to swim 25 metres and have a reasonable level of fitness.

Clothing

Please come prepared in clothing and footwear that you can get wet in.

For most of the year a wetsuit is highly recommended but layers are important to keep you warm as you can be sat around and possibly get wet. The club does not supply any wetsuits.

Quick drying layers, base layers, fleeces and a waterproof layer can all help. A waterproof layer can help keep the wind chill off. Trainers work well as a footwear option. In sunny, warm weather please consider suncream. A change of clothes and a towel for going home in is useful.

If you wear glasses please consider wearing a glasses retainer strap.

Killington Sailing Club is 600 feet above sea level, more exposed and generally colder than Arnside. Remember that it also tends to be cooler on the water than on land. It is better to bring too much clothing than too little.

Buoyancy Aids

We can provide buoyancy aids, sailing gloves and safety helmets (particularly for children) If you have your own buoyancy aid (min 50N, in good condition, appropriate for your size- see the label on the inside), please bring it with you, the instructor will make a decision on its suitability before going on the water.

The course is a mix of theory topics and on the water sailing.

The course will include rigging, launching the boat, steering the boat and how the sail should be set for different points of the wind. By the end of the course you should be able to sail in light winds under supervision.

There may be a wet capsize drill as part of the course.

The aim is to cover the RYA Level 1 syllabus. (This is dependent upon weather conditions and ability)