Youth Sailing
Youth sailing runs throughout the Weston Sailing season from April through to November. It is run by volunteers and open to children between the ages of 7 and 18 with all levels of sailing ability from beginners to more experienced sailors. Non members are welcome to come along to a maximum of 3 sessions after which they are required join the club if they wish to continue.
Details of the different types of session on offer are detailed below.
Junior & Youth Sailing Dates 2010
DATE |
EVENT |
START TIME |
13th April |
Youth Sailing 12+ |
09:30 |
14th April |
Youth Sailing 12+ |
09:30 |
15th April |
Youth Sailing 12+ |
09:30 |
1st May |
Youth Training + On Board |
10:00 |
3rd May |
Youth Training + On Board |
11:00 |
8th May |
Youth Training + On Board |
14:00 |
15th May |
Youth Sailing 12+ |
09:30 |
| 1st June | RYA Training | |
| 2nd June | RYA Training | |
| 3rd June | RYA Training | |
19th June |
Youth Sailing 12+ |
14:00 |
17th July |
Youth Training |
12:00 |
31st July |
Youth Fun Sail |
11:00 |
| 24th Aug | RYA Training | |
| 25th Aug | RYA Training | |
| 26h Aug | RYA Training | |
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2nd Oct |
Youth Sailing 12+ |
15:00 |
Contact details
To find out more please email youth@weston.org.uk
Youth Training Sessions
- Ages - 7 to 18 years
- Levels - Beginners to Advanced
Who it’s for?
These sessions are designed for younger sailors, beginners and anyone who has not yet reached RYA level 3 and will be overseen by an RYA Senior Instructor. Youth training takes children through the RYA learn to sail scheme whilst having fun on the water. In each session the sailors will be split into groups of similar ability and taught by qualified instructors. Progress will be monitored to ensure everyone moves to the correct level on the next session.
Fun on the water
Courses at Weston are planned to be fun, safe and informal and an opportunity for young sailors to make friends and enjoy sailing at Weston. Whilst we are following the RYA scheme we are not expecting children to pass a course each session especially as a day sailing at Weston may be shorter than at a sailing school due to the tides on Southampton water
How it works
Youth training at Weston will start with sailing with an instructor on an RS Vision or similar family boat. Once you have confidence as crew and helm in this boat you will progress to the single handed Laser Pico to learn single handed sailing. After mastering the basics on the Pico you may progress to the double handed RS Feva or improve your single handed sailing on the Laser 4.7.
Agenda
Start times are listed on the program and will vary according to the tide times. Each day will typically run for about 6 hours, e.g. a day starting at 10 am will finish at 4 pm. A galley service is provided at the club, including popular bacon sandwiches in the morning, but it is recommended that children bring a packed lunch.
What to wear?
Children are advised to bring a buoyancy aid, spray top, wet suit and boots, sailing gloves, hat, sun cream, towel and change of clothes. The club has a limited supply of equipment that can be loaned out. Please contact the course administratorat youth@weston.org.uk for help if your children do not have any of the above items.
How to apply?
To apply for a place on one or more Youth courses please complete and return the application form. Please go to the Youth Forms page for Junior & Youth Application Form, & Parental Consent Form & Medical Form >>
RYA Training Courses
- Ages - 7 up
We are running two 3 day RYA training courses as part of the main club training programme. These are taking place during the school holidays on 1st-3rd June and 24th-26th August and are open to anyone aged 7 and above. Further details of these courses and how to apply can be found in the main training section.
Youth Sailing Sessions
- Ages - 12 to 18 years (we can take younger sailors if accompanied by an adult or the session is being run by a Senior Instructor)
- Levels – RYA Level 2 and above
This is program is designed for all youth members and more experienced sailors who may have enjoyed the youth training or are able to competently helm a sailing dinghy. Youth sailing will allow practice for more advanced techniques such as trapezing, spinnaker handling and sail control under more demanding conditions.
Youth sailing is for young members wishing to start racing or improve their sailing skills. Training will NOT be offered but experienced sailors will be on hand to offer some friendly advice based on an individual sailor’s requirements. The main aim of these sessions is to give sailors a chance to practice their skills so they feel confident enough to compete in the clubs youth racing series. Participants will be able to find out how to join in with club racing. We will offer help in rigging and preparing your own boat and club boats will also be available to use for a charge of £10 per day.
Booking is required so please go to the Youth Forms page Youth Application Form >>
Youth Racing
We will be running a series of races for youth members throughout the season and these are indicated on the main program by a black diamond. These will be run from the race box, just like other racing, but the start will be after all the faster boats have started and around a shorter course close to the club. The time indicated on the program is the start time for the first race so all participants should arrive 90 minutes ahead of this to allow plenty of time to prepare the boat and get ready for the race. There is no charge to compete in club racing but a charge of £10 per day will apply for boat hire.
Open Youth Regatta
This event is open to all club members under 19 and there will also be a class for parents sailing with their children. This is an action packed weekend competing against teams from other local clubs. Visitors that do not have a team will be formed into teams at the start of the weekend. Sailing will be in all classes covering Catamarans, Asymmetric dinghies, traditional dinghies, single hander’s and a separate class start for beginners.
There will be additional shore side competitions and entertainment.
Volunteers required
Having run several successful sailing days we are now looking for more adult volunteers to help run events. No experience is required to get involved but we particularly require people with instructor qualifications or an ability to undertake maintenance on club boats. Please email for more details.
Contact details
To find out more please email youth@weston.org.uk
Weston Photos
