Junior Dinghy Courses
The RYA Junior Stages 1 to 4 take children who have never sailed before right through to being able to sail double handed boats independently.
Courses are over two days (or equivalent)
Sailing is a great way for children to have adventures on water with friends in a relaxed outdoor environment. However, learning to sail also develops confidence, independence, communication, leadership, teamwork and creativity. Academically it links with many aspects of the curriculum including geography, science and maths as well as sport. As an RYA training centre and OnBoard club, we offer high standards of instruction in a safe and proven structure.
So whether your child has never set foot in a dinghy before, or whether they are already into racing, we are certain that Hollowell will provide a safe, exciting and inspiring environment to nurture their interest and have a lot of fun. All our courses follow the RYA Youth Training stages.
Our Junior Start Sailing course (RYA Stage 1) is the beginner course, and we run 3 x 2 day courses per year (May, August and September). You can also do stage 1 over 3 days on our Youth Week Dinghy course.
We teach stage 2 and 3 at our Sunday Morning Youth Coaching sessions, and during our Youth Week Dinghy course. We also have a 2 day stage 2 course in September.
Please note that for juniors aged 13 or under, a nominated responsible adult must remain on site during the course.
Check dates / Booking / Contact details
About Junior Sailing RYA Stages
Junior sailing courses for Under 16s are generally taught in groups as they learn quicker and enjoy this style of learning. These courses follow the RYA scheme, and working to their ratios for tuition and safety while keeping the courses enjoyable and stimulating.
The Youth Sailing scheme is completed in small dinghies suitable for the size of the sailor.
RYA Stage One
Will teach the young person a basic understanding of how a boat sails, with some experience of steering and handling the boat.
- Assumed knowledge: None
- Minimum age: Children from the age of 8
- Course content: Launching and recovery, steering, parts of the boat, basic sailing
- Ability after course: Able to steer and understand basic principles
ADDED BONUS: Once you have completed your Stage 1 you can join our Youth Coaching sessions which take place on alternate Sunday mornings.
RYA Stage Two
Continue to develop basic sailing skills, as well as ropework and collision avoidance. You will be able to tack and control boat speeds, leaving you in a good position to progress to stage 3.
- Assumed knowledge: Stage 1, unless you are doing a combined Stage 1 and 2 course. Basic knowledge and steering ability
- Minimum age: Children from the age of 8
- Course content: Basic sailing skills, rope-work, collision avoidance
- Ability after course: Able to tack and control boat speed, and understand basic principles
RYA Stage Three
Rigging, launching and sailing in any direction. Equivalent to Level 2 in the National Sailing Scheme
- Assumed knowledge: Up to and including the Stage 2 course
- Minimum age Children: from the age of 8
- Course content: Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques, capsize recovery, sailing theory
- Ability after course: Able to launch and sail a dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions
RYA Stage Four
Sail a double handed boat as crew or helm, and solve a variety of problems afloat. (optional if Stage 3 was taken in a double hander
- Assumed knowledge: Up to and including Stage 3
- Minimum age: Children from the age of 8
- Course content: Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques and manoeuvres in crewed boats, recovering a man overboard
- Ability after course: Can launch and return to a beach, jetty or mooring, and sail a crewed dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions
