Dates for 2023
8-9 July Start Sailing – Level 1
22-23 July Basic Skills – Level 2
29-30 July Better Sailing – Level 3
5-6 August – (Provisional depending on up-take of previous courses)
12-13 August – (Provisional depending on up-take of previous courses)
Course Structure:
RYA National Sailing Scheme Start Sailing Level 1 (min 2 Days)
Followed by the next level
RYA National Sailing Scheme Basic Skills Level 2 (min 2 Days)
Followed by the next level
RYA National Sailing Scheme Better Sailing Level 3 (min 2 Days)
The courses are run to RYA standards over at least four to six days (weather permitting) with the overall objective of achieving the RYA level 3 Better Sailing Skills. The course takes the form of a mixture of practical experience, on-shore drills, and short talks and is aimed at reaching a level where sailors can rig, launch and recover a dinghy, sail a basic course, return to shore, and deal with a capsize situation.
Due to the vagaries of the weather course dates may be rescheduled as necessary and it may not be possible to complete all aspects of the course in the four days.
Once the course has been completed the participants will have use of the club boats for the remainder of the season subject to the approval of the RTC principal.
Course Instructors
The course is typically run by 1 x RYA trained and certificated Senior Instructor with assistance from 1 x RYA Dinghy Instructor & Assistant Instructor under the guidance of the Club Principal or Chief Instructor.
Times/ Dates
Each year the Club schedules at least two courses
Saturday and Sunday Start times are 9.00 am with an expected finish time of about 4.30-5 pm or other days if agreed
Course 1 RYA NSS (Level 1 – Start Sailing ) – 2023 Cost: £125 / or (£165 non-members)
Course 2 RYA NSS (Level 2 – Basic Skills Sailing) – 2023 Cost: £125 or (£165 non-members)
Course 3 RYA NSS (Level 3 – Better Sailing) – 2023 Cost: £125 or (£165 non-members)
The cost of each course (2 days) (£165) for non-members includes RTC temp membership during the period of the course.
Non-members have the choice to join the Club and pay a standard membership fee. Details of the fees can be found at this link : https://www.carrickfergussc.org/membership/
An RYA National Sailing Scheme log book and the certificates are included in the price. It is recommended to also purchase a RYA Start Sailing handbook- These can be purchased online at the RYA website: https://www.rya.org.uk/shop/p/dinghy-sailing/rya-start-sailing
Lunches
Participants are advised to bring a packed lunch with them.
Equipment
The club has 3 Laser Bahias for training purposes and we may also use the RS Qubas
The club also has a supply of buoyancy aids for the use of anyone who does not already own one.
Personal Clothing
Sailing is an outdoor sport and you will be exposed to the weather and may end up in the water.
Launching and recovery of boats will involve wet feet.
A wet suit with a windproof top is ideal for dinghy sailing and is essential e.g. Capsize Drill
Clothing should be warm, windproof, and waterproof. A spare change of clothes and a towel is also advisable.
Footwear should be suitable for use in water.
A hat is strongly recommended, as is sun cream.
Glasses should be attached securely.
Buoyancy aid or a life jacket is essential when on the water and can be supplied by the club if necessary.
Health and Safety
Please note that sailing is only permitted in the presence of a safety boat. All participants must wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
Please ensure that you have completed the online registration.
Insurance/Club Membership
All participants must be a member or temporary member of the club. Booking a course as a non-member will cover membership for the duration of the course.
Link: https://www.carrickfergussc.org/membership/
All members must include their membership numbers on the Eventbrite entry form to qualify for the member’s discount.
National Sailing Scheme RYA Adult Sailing Guide is available: https://www.rya.org.uk/training/small-boat-sailing/dinghy#DSadult