Junior Saturday Sailing
Our Lion Cubs, OnBoard and Lions Race Training groups offer fun, informal sessions for children (age five upwards) on selected Saturdays from April to October. Levels range from absolute beginners to those with RYA Level 4 and times vary depending on the tide and group (please see below).
Each session starts with a briefing, with children already changed and boats rigged. An adult must remain at RHYC throughout.
Junior sailing groups
Lion Cubs started in 2018 and is aimed at children aged five to seven, who want to give sailing a go. The emphasis is on building confidence and swapping in and out of boats, rather than each child being allotted their own boat for the full session. Due to the sailors’ age, Lion Cubs will last an hour and a half, rather than three hours, will start later in the year and will finish earlier. Club Optimists will be provided so there is no need to hire a boat for this group.
Offering a fun introduction to sailing from age eight upwards (seven-year-olds will be considered on a discretionary basis), these three-hour sessions aim to get children out on the water and learning new skills.
When numbers allow, this group will be split into Beginners and Intermediates. Intermediates will have completed at least a season of junior sailing at RHYC or have their RYA Level 2 or above. Beginners and their parents will be told by their instructor or OnBoard organiser when they are ready to move up to the Intermediate group. If you’re unsure which group to book your child in to please check with the office. Due to the weather, we may decide not to start a Beginners group until 5th May.
Optimists and Toppers are available to hire through the RHYC website for those who don’t have their own boat. We strongly encourage those in the Intermediate group to buy their own Optimist as club boats are set up for beginners.
When they're ready, Lions Race Training gives juniors the chance to go on to develop their seamanship, as well as racing skills.
It’s largely sailed in Optimists but Teras and Toppers are welcome. Sailors should be at RYA Level 3 or above, be capable of self-rescue and be able to sail around a triangular course competently in a Force 3. Unfortunately, the club’s Optimists are not suitable to hire for this group as they are not set up for racing.
Booking System
All bookings and payment are to be made online for places and boat hire. We make three sessions available to book at a time but request that if you book, you do use the space or let us know if you can no longer attend. Refunds for unused places cannot be given.
Further information:
1. Both OnBoard and Lions Race Training take place at the same time but with different instructors.
2. Members can book OnBoard and Lions Race Training for £10 per session and non-members £25.00. Members can book Lion Cubs for £5 a session and non-members for £10 a session. Please contact the office for more about how to become a member. Cadet membership in 2018 is £50.
3. Boat hire is as follows:
Lion Clubs - included in the price.
OnBoard Beginners - Optimist or Topper £5 per session.
OnBoard Intermediates - Optimist or Topper £10 per session.
Lions Race Training - Optimist or Topper* £10 per session. Tera £15 per session.
* Please note the instructor will decide which rig is best for you.
4. As sessions are often full, please let the office know if your child is not able to attend.
5. If the session is full and you’d like to be added to a waiting list, please contact the office.
6. Please join the Junior Sailing RHYC Facebook page to find out more.
What you will need:
- Sailors:
- Adults on RIB's:
- Adults assisting with Launch / Recovery:
• To be water confident and able to swim.
Volunteers:
Junior sailing at RHYC is only made possible thanks to volunteers. Please get in touch with Rosie Davey (rosiegdavey@gmail.com) if you're able to help with rescue boat cover, shore party duty or instructing.
A quote from a parent:
“Just wanted to drop you a note to say how good the On Board is at RHYC. I spoke to the office yesterday who were very happy to roll the payment for the unattended session the other day to the next one and over all they are great to deal with. We're finding the whole experience friendly, organised, safe, value for money and fun and the location is great too.”
