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RYA Level 1 and 2 Dinghy Course (Adult)

​Learn to Sail - 4 day Courses For Beginners

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Everyone has to start somewhere and we are here to help you take your first step. Sutton Sailing Club runs RYA Level 2 dinghy courses twice a year, in the Spring (March / April) and Autumn (September / October) for both junior and adult beginners. The maximum number of students we accommodate is 12 per course which ensures an excellent experience for our course members.  We will take you from absolute beginner to being able to take control of a sailing boat in fair conditions. The course normally takes place over 4 consecutive Saturdays. ​

The only pre-requisite to joining the course is that all participants MUST be able to swim well in deep water​

 

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​​The fee is £180 for adults and juniors which covers everything such as tuition from RYA Qualified instructors, use of club boats and equipment such as helmets and buoyancy aids, safety cover, course materials and refreshments including tea, coffee and other snacks which are provided throughout the course. 

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The only pre-requisite to joining the course is that you must be able to swim well and be confident in deep water. 

 

The teaching starts at 9.00am and runs until 4.30pm each day, its stimulating, challenging, fun and tiring!  There is a combination of classroom and on-the-water teaching, but the emphasis is strongly on the water.

 

We teach in a variety of boats though generally in the double-hander Laser Bahia or Topper Xenon for adults and in smaller single-hander Toppers for the juniors. The instructor to student ratio in the double hander will be no more than 2-to-1 and an instructor will be in the boat until the point you are able to sail unaided.

 

Full safety cover is on hand at all times during water based sessions and the club provides all necessary safety equipment ie helmets and buoyancy aids.

 

At the end of the course you will have the basic set of skills required to sail a small sailing boat in calm conditions, including how to right a capsized dinghy. 

 

You will consider how the wind affects the boat on the land and on the water, complete land drill successfully and how you will use the wind to your advantage and be aware of how it can present dangers.  

If the course has progressed as usual, we should also have introduced you to racing which is where the fun really starts.

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Quick Questions and Answers

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What sort of clothes will I need?

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At some point you will probably get wet during the course so all clothing should be suitable for this purpose. A wetsuit is ideal, but otherwise quick drying clothing and a windproof jacket will get you through. Ie close fitting man-made fibre garments such as tracksuit trousers, nylon swimwear and fleece tops with a kagoule top and waterproof overtrousers will serve you better than layers of jeans, cotton tea shirts and  woolly jumpers. Gloves with padded palms and fingers will also be beneficial for handling ropes. On your feet soft soled shoes, old trainers are ideal. A fleece hat or woolly hat will make a great difference if the weather is colder. The club has a limited selection of wetsuits and windproofs that can be borrowed.

 

What is the minimum age for a junior on the course?

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Like many sports sailing has quite a lot of skills to learn as well as some background theory. We have found that children younger than 9 really need 1 to 1 coaching, so we have set the minimum age as 9 years old.

 

What if I can't do all of the dates?

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You do really need to be able to make all of the dates in order to complete the course to a good level, however if you cannot make all the dates let us know beforehand to see if we can personalise your training to get you to the required standard in a shorter period of time. This is not always possible due to number and availability of instructors, however we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

 

Am I too old?

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Your age is no barrier to starting sailing and very many people who learn to sail do so in their later years. However some medical / physical conditions will make it more difficult so again talk to the course organiser if you have any concerns.