Dinghy Instructor Course

Excellent experience all round. Best of all was how real every dimension was approached, from sailing as a theoretical and practical activity, with complexity and simplicity in balance, to great food, great feedback, honesty and integrity.

Rockpooling & kayaking - We did once off rock pooling and kayaking and it was great fun. The kids had great fun and they allowed me to go ith them too. In the end the kids jumped off the pontoon and it was just pure giggles and laughs

Hooked! - My 12 year old goes to Saturday sailing club after doing summer camp. He’s hooked and absolutely loves it! The instructors are great and very good with the kids - if you live locally with kids, it’s a no brainier!

Great atmosphere - Very friendly staff and great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend for a day out or lessons. Paddle board and kayak rentals are lots of fun.

Really lovely staff, super friendly. Would highly recommend the kayak and paddle board rentals! Great with a small group or big group.

Competent Crew Course - Excellent Instructor - Having done a few courses with the INSS over the summer of 2023, and some sailing on the Mediterranean, doing the Competent Crew course with others who were doing the Day Skipper course at the same time was the highlight of my time learning how to sail. The reason it was the highlight was largely due to the course instructor Shona O'Dowd (I made certain to get her full name before leaving to give her the credit she deserved). Huge knowledge and experience mixed with a great attitude, with friendliness, patience and approachability making Shona stand out and make each day of the course something to look forward to regardless of weather or experience level. Shona guided practical use of all facets of sailing knowledge excellently and never micromanaged or tried to exert too much control, thereby never limiting the learning that can take place for students.

This teaching style is difficult to find, having seen a variety of instructors and their styles, in different countries and even within the INSS, and so you will be very lucky if you get Shona on your boat when it comes your turn to learn the ropes (literally). All in all, the Competent Crew course was very enjoyable, and I just wanted to give credit where it was due.