🌊⛵ A new year on the water is just around the corner, and we’re excited to share everything coming up for the 2026 season!

From our Open Day to summer adventures, after‑school clubs, powerboating, and pathways into instructing, this year is packed with opportunities for young sailors to grow, learn, and explore.

Open Day 2026

📅 Saturday 25 April 11:00 – 15:00
Join us for a fun-filled day of sailing, powerboating, and (hopefully!) sunshine. It’s the perfect chance to meet the team, hop in a boat, and try something new. Look out for updates on Facebook and Instagram as we get closer!

Building Work & Easter Courses

We’re starting the year with essential building work, which means we cannot run Easter courses in 2026.
However, private lessons may be possible, depending on progress.
If you’re interested, please reach out closer to the time and we’ll do our best to help.

The building work inside the Trust’s building.

After‑School Sailing Clubs

Starting the week of 20 April and running for 10 sessions, these clubs offer sailing in the afternoons after school. Running for most of the Summer term there is a break during the week of 25 May (half‑term).

Pond Sailability

🕓 Mondays 16:00–17:00
A sailability club dedicated to getting those with disabilities sailing, originally starting for primary school students on the Pond, this year we are expanding to include some sea sailing with the older members.

Secondary School Sailing (Sea)

🕓 Tuesdays 16:00–18:00
For older students ready to develop seamanship and confidence on open water.

Primary School Sailing (Sea)

🕟 Wednesdays 16:00–17:30
A brilliant introduction to sea sailing for younger sailors.

Primary School Sailing (Pond)

🕟 Wednesdays 16:40–17:40
Perfect for beginners gaining confidence in a sheltered environment.

We are also exploring an After‑School Powerboat Club. A club to train and improve powerboating skills in youngers who have an interest in learning to drive a RIB. If your child would be interested, please get in touch so we can keep you updated.

Summer Holiday Courses 2026

Our ever popular summer courses are back! A range of courses for different ages and abilities, there is something for everyone. The older course will primary take place in dinghies but use of our Hawk 20 keelboats is fun additional whenever they are used. Running across seven weeks, with courses Monday–Tuesday (except the final week, which is Tuesday–Friday due to the bank holiday).

For Younger Sailors

Oppies on the Pond – Half‑day (morning or afternoon)

Oppies on the Sea – Half‑day (morning or afternoon)

For Older or More Experienced Sailors

Full‑day courses including:
Beginners – For training on RYA Stage 1 & 2

Improvers – For training on RYA stage 3 & 4

Seamanship – Learn essential boating skills and maneuvers

Day Sailing – Plan and experience trips away to new locations

Sailing with Spinnakers – Master the use of the faster spinnaker sails

Start Racing – Are you feeling competitive?

Multi-fun (10+) – A week of water-based excitement

These courses help young people build independence, skill, teamwork, and a lifelong love of being on the water.

Extra Courses and Activities

Saturday Pond Drop‑In Sessions

Do a young one want a have go at sailing? Every Saturday morning in July and August — no booking needed!

Powerboating

We also run a series of powerboating course suitable for a range of abilities.

🚤 RYA Powerboat Level 1 – For youngers to give a taste of controlling a powerboat.

🚤 RYA Powerboat Level 2 – Entry level course that teaches basics of boat handling and rules around boating. For ages 12+ the two‑day course is open to everyone.

🚤 RYA Safety Boat – Teaches how to use a powerboat as safety cover for sailor and other water users.

🚤 RYA Intermediate Powerboating – For those with experience to build upon skill and plot passages

🚤 RYA Advanced Powerboating – Push your knowledge and skills at plotting passages and driving at night

Instructor Courses

Assistant Instructor Course

📅 24–27 August
The Assistant Instructor (AI) is a competent sailor who has been trained to assist instructors in teaching sailing course to the RYA standard. Open to sailors aged 14+ who have completed at least one advanced module, being an AI and teaching other can be incredibly rewarding.

Dinghy Instructor Course

📅 20–24 July
The RYA Dinghy Instructor course is a widely recognised teaching qualification that allows successful candidates to teach the RYA syllabus.

First Aid Course

This one-day course (6 hours minimum) covers all the usual first aid subjects, as well as area important for boating, such as hypothermia and drowning. The course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for people using small craft and to support skippers. In a medical emergency a little first aid knowledge and immediate action can save lives, especially out at sea

RYA Sea Survival

The RYA/MCA Small Craft Basic Sea Survival Course is a vital one-day training programme designed for anyone venturing offshore—whether for leisure or professional purposes. Developed in accordance with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) standards, this course provides the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to survive at sea in the event of an emergency.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to maximise their chances of survival, make effective use of onboard safety equipment, and respond appropriately in life-threatening situations.

Online Courses

Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) Course – The SRC is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF equipment.

CEVNI Online Test – The CEVNI test covers the European Code for Inland Waterways Navigation—the standardized rules that govern boating on Europe’s rivers, canals, and lakes. Passing the CEVNI test is required to obtain or validate an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for inland waters.

RYA Safe and Fun – This course is suitable for anyone working with children and vulnerable adults in an RYA environment.