Learning and improving sailing at SWSC

Young people and adults wishing to learn to sail or improve their sailing have great options through the South Windermere Sailing Club.

Taster sessions on Saturday mornings can be organised in advance by emailing enquiries(at)swsailing.co.uk

Beginning sailing courses are offered through our partnership with YMCA Lakeside as an RYA Training Centre:

Description of the courses:

For youth (ages 10 to 16):
RYA Start Sailing Stage 1 covers launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning around, steering and basic parts of the boat.
Stage 2: Develop the sailing skills needed to sail around a course - tacking, gybing and controlling boat speed.
Stage 3: Build your confidence and develop the skills needed to sail in different directions in moderate conditions

For adults (16+):

RYA Level 1 is a course for complete beginners. Learn to sail in all directions and awareness of launching and recovery.
RYA Level 2 Basic Skills: Build your confidence and gain the skills needed to sail and make decisions in good conditions.
RYA Level 3 Better Sailing: Improve your sailing, consolidating skills and trying new ones in a variety of conditions.

Messing About in Boats on Saturday mornings offers a friendly and informal space to gain experience and build confidence with safety boat cover, either in your own boat or in one of the club boats once the organisers affirm your competence in helming. Informal coaching is available if requested, including going out with experienced helms.

Junior Training is organised over several Saturdays during the year, picking up specific skills that will benefit the junior fleet.

Ladies that Launch, held two to three times a season, is an opportunity for women to learn from other women, to build confidence and maybe that specific skill you always wanted to learn.

Saturday afternoon racing is a no pressure way to understand the basics of racing, which will help you to improve your sailing skills significantly.

Experienced club members may also offer "Improving your Sailing" sessions throughout the year, covering some of the key areas of sailing, including:

General -
What are the controls for - what they do to the rig and why
Beating - how to sail the best angle to the wind
Use of tell tales
Smoother tacking & gybing
How to stop!
Sailing flat
Windshifts

Handling high winds -
Rig set up
Boat trim
Boat handling
safer sailing

Efficient sailing in light winds -
Rig set up
Boat trim

Any questions? Email enquiries(at)swsailing.co.uk

Last updated 14:36 on 2 March 2024