RYA Level 1

Interested in learning to Sail? Our popular RYA Level 1 “Learn-to-Sail” weekends , are a great way for complete Adult beginners to learn the basics of Dinghy Sailing, or for those returning to Sailing and looking to refresh their skills.

Places are limited, and the Club will be holding courses on the dates below.

Course 1: 10th and 11th May 2025

Course 2: 21st and 22nd June 2025

These popular weekend course give, weather-permitting, two full days sailing (approx. 0900 to 1700), supported by our team of qualified RYA Dinghy Instructors. The course fee is £175 (Members £150) and includes lunch, tea and coffee both days. The Course runs alongside normal Club activities, providing an insight into racing and the Club as a whole.

These courses are open to both Club Members and non-Members. The majority of the weekend is spent on the water, and by the end of this course you should be able to sail confidently in light winds under supervision.

No previous experience or specialist equipment is needed, the courses being designed for absolute adult beginners. The Club will provide your Instructor, boat and personal buoyancy aid, although you may use your own boat and/or buoyancy aid by arrangement.

Please note that you should not book for the course unless you are physically fit for this sport.

Those who are not already Members will be elected to Temporary Membership of the Club for the duration of the course and the month following the Course; This allows the same use of the Club and its facilities as all other Members to continue to develop your experience and enjoyment of sailing!

There is a maximum of 12 students per course so early booking is advisable.

Application

For further information and to check availability please contact: trainingbookings@nottinghamsailing.club.

Course Outline

SATURDAY

09:00Welcome to the Club – Introduction to the Course – Safety – Centerboards
09:30Get Afloat (Boats rigged by Instructors) – Introduction to the river – Demonstration sail – Basic HOVE-TO position – Basic boat control
10:15TEA / COFFEE Land drill for GOING ABOUT – with extension tiller
10:45Work afloat – REACHING and GOING ABOUT
12:30LUNCH Explanation of the FIVE ESSENTIALS – explanation of CAPSIZE DRILL
13:45Work afloat – Sailing to windward, hopefully a long cruise – Landing and sailing away Tea / coffee available 15:00 to 16:00 Club Race starts 15:00
16:30Capsize Demonstration – Capsize practice, strictly for VOLUNTEERS only
17:30Approx. – Close for the day and pack all boats away

SUNDAY

09:00Types of boats and rigging – Enterprise, GP, Laser, Lark, Comet, Solo. Students learn to rig boats from scratch
09:45Work afloat – Revise all you learnt yesterday – Sailing downwind – Handling the GYBE – Focus attention on the FIVE ESSENTIALS
10:45TEA / COFFEE Man overboard routine – Description and demonstration Club Race starts 11:00
11:15Further work afloat to suit the needs of each individual course member – Effective crewing in two person boats – Single-handed sailing
13:00LUNCH Commodore’s comments – Membership of the Club, or what next – Premature farewell Club Race starts 13:30
14:00Get afloat – Further practice of all skills Tea / coffee available when required Club Race starts 15:15
17:00End of course – Pack all equipment

Limitation of Club Liability

Members of the Club, their guests or visitors may use the Club premises, and any other facilities of the Club, entirely at their own risk and impliedly accept that: (a) The Club will not accept any liability for any damage to or loss of property belonging to Members, their guests or visitors to the Club. (b) The Club will not accept any liability for personal injury arising out of the use of the Club premises and any other facilities of the Club either sustained by Members, their guests or visitors or caused by the said Members, guests or visitors whether or not such damage or injury could have been attributed to or was occasioned by the neglect, default or negligence of any of them the Officers, Committee or servants of the Club.