Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What age groups do you cater for? 

We offer sailing programmes for children and teens aged 4–17, with courses tailored to each stage of development: 

• Ages 4–6 (Sea Explorers): Fun, exploratory sessions focused on water confidence, teamwork, and marine discovery  

• Ages 7–10: Introduction to sailing basics through games and structured learning  

• Ages 11–14: Skill-building, independence, and progression into more advanced techniques  

• Ages 15–17: Advanced sailing, racing pathways, and leadership development  

Each group follows an age-appropriate programme designed to build confidence and enjoyment on the water.

What will my child learn during a summer course? 

Learning outcomes vary by age, but all programmes combine practical sailing skills with personal development. 

Ages 4–6: 

• Exploring the marine environment (e.g. observing sea life, rock pooling)  

• Building confidence in and around water  

• Developing communication and teamwork skills  

Ages 7–10: 

• Basic boat handling and steering  

• Understanding wind direction in simple terms  

• Sailing through games and fun challenges  

Ages 11–14: 

• Boat control and speed management  

• Rigging and setting up boats  

• Communication between crew members  

• Awareness of wind, weather, and surroundings  

• Introduction to racing and manoeuvres like man-overboard recovery  

Ages 15–17: 

• Advanced boat handling and tactics  

• Racing skills and strategy  
• Leadership, teamwork, and responsibility on the water  

Across all age groups, we focus on building confidence, independence, and teamwork in a supportive environment. 

When do summer courses run? 

Our summer courses run throughout June, July, and August. 

Typical course structure: 

• Full-day (older groups - 7-17 year olds): 9:00am – 5:00pm  

• Half-day (younger groups – 4-6 year olds): Morning or afternoon sessions  

• Courses usually run in weekly blocks (5 days), with adjustments for bank holidays  

What equipment is provided? 

We provide everything your child needs to get started: 

• Comfortable and high-quality sailing equipment  

• Buoyancy aids (included free of charge)  

Optional extras: 

• Wetsuit rental: €20 per week  

• Logbook: €15  

Children who complete levels receive certificates, helping them progress through stages and, for older sailors, move toward advanced groups and racing opportunities. 

What does my child need to bring each day? 

Please send your child with: 

• Towel and change of clothes  

• Old runners or sailing booties (that can get wet)  

• Shoes for after sailing  

• Warm jumper or jacket  

• Packed lunch and plenty of water (for full-day courses)  

We provide sunscreen, though you may wish to send your own. If bringing a wetsuit, it should be a full-length wetsuit. 

Does my child need to be sporty or have a certain level of fitness? 

No. Our courses are designed for all ability levels. 

We introduce sailing step-by-step, with a focus on: 

• Enjoyment  

• Confidence-building  

• Learning at each child’s pace  

Enthusiasm and willingness to try are far more important than fitness or experience. 

Does my child need to be able to swim? 

No prior swimming experience is required. 

All participants wear buoyancy aids, and activities are carefully supervised to ensure safety at all times. 

Does my child need previous sailing experience? 

No most children join as complete beginners. We provide a clear progression pathway so children can build skills year after year. 

What are the group sizes? 

Group sizes vary slightly by age, but we maintain strong supervision ratios. 

Typical structure: 

• Approximately 20–25 children per group  

• Around 4 instructors per group  

Younger groups may have smaller ratios to provide additional support. 

Will my child get to make friends? 

Yes, making friends is a big part of the experience!

Children and teenagers: 

• Sail in small groups (usually 2–3 per boat for older kids)  

• Take part in group games and activities  

• Have time to socialise during breaks  

Our instructors encourage an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome. 

What does a typical day look like? 

Daily schedules vary by age but generally include two activity sessions. 

For older groups: 

• Morning briefing (weather, safety, plan for the day)  

• Boat preparation and sailing session  

• Lunch break (40–60 minutes)  

• Afternoon session (on-the-water or land-based activities)  

For younger groups: 

• Shorter, varied activity blocks  

• Mix of water-based and land-based learning  

• Games, exploration, and rest breaks built in  

What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for sailing? 

Safety is our priority. If conditions are unsuitable, we offer alternative activities such as: 

• Keelboat sailing with instructors  

• Kayaking and paddleboarding  

• Raft building (using teamwork and rope skills)  

• Indoor games and sailing theory  

Younger children may also enjoy activities like rock pooling and marine exploration. 

Can I collect my child early? 

Yes. We recommend: 

• Arranging collection at break times (e.g. lunchtime) where possible  

• Letting the instructor know at drop-off  

Where do I drop off and collect my child? 

Drop-off and collection points vary depending on the course, age group and time of year. For many groups, the meeting point is typically at the Main Clubhouse. 

You will receive full details before your course begins.