Sailing School Courses

1. Weekend RYA Sailing School Level 1 and 2 Course

Open to WOSC members +16 years old and external candidates (subject to availability) 

The aim of this course is to teach a beginner to sail, achieving Level 1 and Level 2 RYA qualifications.

Each level is 9.30am to 5pm each day for two days over a weekend. There is a maximum of 9 students per course. 

This course is recommended for those over 16 years of age, though the minimum age is 14 years, for example, if taken with a parent. All young people under 16 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times.

All students will need to sign in at each session.

Course content

Level 1 - On this course, we start with the assumption that you have never been in a sailing boat before and by the end, you will be able to sail in light winds with an Instructor in the boat.

Level 2 - By the end of this course, you will be safety conscious, have a basic knowledge of sailing and be capable of sailing, in light winds, without an Instructor on board.

For each Level you will receive four two days of instruction. Both the syllabus elements and the duration of training contribute to certification.

The course is conducted mainly in Wayfarers, but there may be opportunities to sail in other boats depending on progress and weather conditions. The course is led by a Senior Instructor and the ratio of instructors:participants is normally 1:3 but may be up to 1:6.

Not a WOSC member? Start sailing temporary membership: limited availability

If you want to try sailing, but not sure it's for you, then you can opt for temporary membership. This amazing offer gives you access to the club facilities until the following March, so that you can use club boats to further practice your sailing and even race! Once your temporary membership expires, you can apply for full club membership if places are available.

To help you get started, you'll need to take the RYA Level 1 and Level 2 course. Applications for temporary membership are taken on a first come first served basis basis so to check availability please contact the training secretary: training@wosc.org.uk.

The cost of temporary membership is £250 in total. This includes the RYA Level 1 and 2 course administration fee of £50 so there is no extra cost to taking the course and if you decide to join the club, your joining fee of £40 is also waived. 

Important note: You will be expected to comply with the conditions of membership which includes club duties a couple of times a year (see Membership pages for more details).

WOSC members

Booking is on a first come first served basis booked via the events calendar on the website.

This course attracts a £30 administration fee for Level 1 and £20 to cover Level 2 to cover expenses (fuel, certificates, biscuits).

Certificates

On successful completion of the course, all qualifying candidates will receive RYA Level 1 and Level 2 certificates and following the Level 1 course you will also receive a logbook and 'Start Sailing' guide.

Cancellations

All courses must be paid for in full at the time of booking. WOSC reserves the right to cancel any course or part thereof when conditions warrant, due to low take-up or adverse weather conditions. On the rare occasion that this is necessary, an alternative course will be offered or a full refund provided. No additional liability for compensation or expenses will be accepted.

Places which had been confirmed but which are cancelled by an applicant in writing or by e-mail to training@wosc.org.uk and received at the centre no less than 4 weeks prior to the course start date will result in a refund of the course less a 10% administration charge.

Cancellations by applicants received less than 4 weeks before the course start date will result in 50% of the course fee being forfeited or, if available, an alternative date for the course will be offered.

In the event of illness supported by a doctor’s certificate, the centre will refund 90% of the course fee. However, please note that any cancellations on or after the course start date for this reason will result in the full fee being forfeited. All cancellations must be in writing or by e-mail to training@wosc.org.uk.

Once payment has been received the course is only transferable to another person at the discretion of the centre.

2. Youth RYA Stages one to three

Open to WOSC members only, aged 8+ to 18 years

This training takes you from stage 1 as a beginner to the mode advanced stage 4 where you should be able to take part in races and get involved in the WOSC team racing squad.

All children under 16 years of age must have a parent/guardian at WOSC at all times and parents must sign in all children at each session and provide a contact mobile number.

All participants are required to sign in at every session.

Costs

Training is free, but contributions to the Martin Gibson Junior Sailing Fund are welcomed.

Course content

Juniors follow the Youth Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 syllabus, depending on previous sailing experience. If you have already done one of the Stages, but need to refresh you can do that.

Each course takes two full days and is run on consecutive Saturdays. You will be expected to attend both sessions.

The session is led by a Senior Instructor with the required minimum RYA Instructor:participant ratios (see main Sailing School page for details). Sailing will be taught in Optimist, Topper, Firefly, Hartley, Laser and Wayfarer.

Booking

All students that wish to take part in must book on the website events calendar - you will need to be logged in. 

You will still need to sign in at the start of each session.

Certification

Students who have reached the required standards for Youth Stage 1, 2 3 or 4 will receive a certificate. Along with Stage 1, students will get a logbook.

3. Junior Sailing Week

Open to WOSC members only, aged 8 to 18 years

This week is designed to accommodate all levels of sailing. There is a maximum of 39 places available. All young people under 16 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times.

Course content

The RYA Youth Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 syllabus will be covered, depending on the students' abilities.

The course duration is 15-20 hours depending on conditions. 

The session is led by a Senior Instructor with the required minimum RYA Instructor:participant ratios (see main Sailing School page for details). Instructors will allocate groups based on previous sailing experience. The course will be conducted in Optimists, Toppers, Fireflys, Lasers, Hartleys and Wayfarers.

Costs

The week is free, though donations to the Martin Gibson Junior Sailing Fund are welcomed.

Booking

Notifications of the booking procedure will be announced in the What's on at WOSC newsletter and on the events calendar. An e-mail notification will also be sent to all members.

Please only apply if your child can attend the entire week.

Certification

Those that achieve the requirements for the Youth RYA Stage 1 and 2 or 3 syllabus can have a certificate issued. Along with the Stage 1 certificate a logbook will be issued.

4. Powerboat Level 2 Course

Open to WOSC members only aged 16+

To facilitate the Patrol Boat cover for club racing and cover for Recreational Sailing days a 2-day course resulting in a RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification is offered. This is free to candidates with certificates issued at club cost. Students will be added to the Patrol Boat rota for club duties. You must be 16 years of age for this course. Courses will be advertised on What's on at WOSC and registration will be through the events page. If you have any questions regarding this course, please contact the Training Secretary using the following e-mail address: training@wosc.org.uk.