Frequently Asked Questions

We sail in Guernsey’s safe inshore waters, mainly around Havelet Bay and Cow’s Bay in the Harbour. More experienced sailors will sail into the Little Russel and Belle Grave bay. We will also do trips to Fermain Bay and Herm.

No — buoyancy aids or life jackets are always worn. However, being confident in the water is helpful.

Just swimwear, a towel, warm layers, and old trainers or wetsuit shoes. We provide wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and all sailing equipment. Consult our kit list for more details

Group sizes vary by course, but we keep ratios low to ensure safety and personal coaching. Powerboat courses have three students per instructor, sailing courses will have up to (but usually less than) nine students per instructor.

If conditions are unsafe (typically strong winds, large waves and torrential rain), we run alternative shore-based activities or reschedule if needed.

Most courses start from age 5, with sessions catered for different ranges; juniors, teens, and adults. Open Day and Summer Drop-in sessions can have younger sailors.

Basic fitness is enough — sailing is accessible to most people, and sessions are adapted to individual ability. Smaller dinghies suit those who are more nimble and comfortable moving around the boat, while our keelboats offer greater stability and are ideal for anyone who prefers a steadier platform. You can explore our fleet to see which boat type best suits your needs.

Yes. As an RYA Sailability Centre, we support a wide range of physical and learning needs. We offer catered sessions; from youngest on the pond to adults in RIBs or Keelboats. Our specialised RS Venture Connect – Invictus, is kitted with bucket seats for those with reduced mobility. Contact us for more details.

There is short-term public parking around the Pond perfect for drop off and pick up. All students will need to be signed in and out by a responsible adult. Along Castle Emplacement Pier there are longer-term parking options. If you are dropping off or picking up, please make sure that you do not block the entrance to the fishermen’s stores.  These are the row of white doors to the North of the Sailing Trust driveway.

We have a classroom and two toilets; one of which is suitable for disabled access. Our building has step-free access from the road.

For groups requiring a changing room we are fortunate enough to be able to use the Guernsey Yacht Club’s changing room..

Parents and Guardians do not need to stay unless otherwise stated for specific sessions. There is space on Havlett Wall and around the Harbour to watch sessions if you so wish.

A lunch is needed for full‑day courses. A pack lunch is advised, but lunches can be brought from the Green Hut Kiosk and Boatworks.

Lunch on adult courses may be long enough to have a meal from the Guernsey Yacht Club, if you are a member.

Some sailing courses may have a sail-away to have lunch at other locations (usually Fermain or Herm), so a packed lunch is needed.

Snacks and water are recommended for all sessions.

Minor bumps, bruises, and scrapes are the most typical. Serious injuries are rare.

A risk of being hit in the head by the boom is mitigated through teaching of dangers to students and padding on the boom for younger sailors, with helmets available for those who would like one.

We insist on proper clothing for students to avoid hypothermia and take a pro-active approach in keeping sailors warm. We adhere to the RYA’s strict safety standards.

Tell an instructor; we can return to shore, take a break, and make you comfortable. If seasickness is a known and persistent issue we would advise taking seasickness tablets.

All sailors wear buoyancy aids, instructors are fully qualified, and safety boats are always on the water. We adhere to the RYA’s strict safety standards.

Our instructors are fully RYA‑qualified and experienced in teaching sailors of all ages and abilities. We also have a structured staffing system: younger or newly‑qualified instructors are always supported and supervised by senior, highly experienced RYA Senior Instructors. This ensures every session is safe, well‑managed, and delivered to a consistently high standard.

All equipment, instruction, safety cover, and (where applicable) RYA course materials.

Online courses are delivered through RYA Interactive. You’ll receive a login link via email after booking. Your device will need to meet RYA Interactive requirements.

Most of our courses follow the RYA syllabus, but an RYA certificate is not guaranteed. Students must meet the required RYA standards to pass. Our instructors will teach all the necessary knowledge; however, certificates also rely on the sailor’s ability to practically demonstrate key skills, and sailing skills naturally take time to develop.

If extenuating circumstances affect a student’s ability to complete the certificate, we will always do our best to find a suitable solution, such as extra time or an alternative session.

Yes, bookings are made through our website. The website is the preferred way but in certain cases a paper booking form can be issued.

Contact us as early as possible; changes depend on availability and our terms and conditions.

Payment is made online at the time of booking through paypal. There is also an option to pay via bank transfer. We also accept cash, cheque and card. All payments must be made before the start of the course.

No, we do not offer boat hire.

Please contact us directly; we aim to resolve any issues quickly and professionally

We can schedule sessions at a range of times. Our office is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, during the busier season office staff may be out of the water – please phone ahead if you are popping in.