Allocation of places
While we try to accommodate everyone who applies to our courses, our capacity is limited. It is, therefore, very important that you get your application in as soon as possible.
Applications are initially open to
1. Members and local schoolchildren in the order applications received.
followed by
2. Non-members in the order applications received.
Boat Rental
There are limited numbers of club boats available to hire. These are restricted to one boat per family. Subject to terms and conditions including deposit required covering any damage or loss of boat/equipment.
To enquire about boat rentals, please contact Dee Griffiths at [email protected].
Levels
Irish Sailing introduced a new syllabus a number of years ago. A number of new levels were introduced so there is a lot more choice in what kind of sailing is available. Information on the current syllabus can be found at Irish Sailing.
Please look at the information on this site for the level you are doing.
The new levels correspond to the old syllabus as follows:
- Start Sailing – old Level 1
- Basic Skills – old Level 2
- Improving Skills – old Level 3
A sailor who has completed Improving Skills they can move on to what were once the Level 4 courses, starting with Advanced Boat Handling, which acts as a stepping-stone from the first three levels to the more advanced levels. The skills learned in this course are important in all aspects of sailing, making it a good general course to do.
Once a sailor has completed Advanced Boat Handling there is a choice of levels:
- Go Racing 1 – an introduction to various types of competitive sailing.
- Adventure 1 – sailing further, navigation, chartwork and taking day trips.
- Kites & Wires 1 – an introduction to using a trapeze and spinnaker.
Passing your level is not the be all and end all of the course. Instructors will let you know how you are progressing throughout the course. If you don’t achieve the level that you are going for, don’t worry, you have still got lots of experience on the water and you will hopefully have had lots of fun doing so. There is no need to rush through all the levels, take your time, learn lots and enjoy it.
Valuables
It is not advisable to bring valuables with you to the course.
Gear list
What you wear when sailing has a big effect on whether you will enjoy the experience or not. If a child is too cold or gets sunburnt they are unlikely to want to get out on the water again!
What To Wear
Buoyancy Aid – make sure it fits properly and it is appropriate for the weight of the sailor. If it is damaged it needs to be replaced.
Wetsuit – Ireland is too cold not to wear a wetsuit! Sailors must wear a wetsuit. Even if it appears sunny the water is still very cold.
Footwear – wetsuit boots (booties) or old runners are appropriate. Flip flops are not allowed in and around the sailing club or when sailing as they do not protect the feet and can fall off easily.
Other useful gear includes:
- Kag/Windbreaker
- Swimming togs
- Rash Vest
- Sailing Gloves
- Hat- for hot or cold weather
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
Boats
Please make sure your boat is seaworthy and has all the rigging and equipment needed. On the first day of the course the instructors will do a safety check on all the boats (see list required at minimum below). If your boat is deemed unseaworthy, or unavailable for whatever reason, we cannot guarantee your child will be on the water until the situation is rectified. So please get organised!
Please also ensure that each boat has a trolley marked with the sailors name and sail number where appropriate.
Sail Numbers
All boats MUST have sail numbers on their sails. This enables instructors to readily identify sailors on the water and allows recorders to take finishing results for Wednesday and Saturday racing. Numbers can be purchased in any local chandlery and all numbers can be constructed from “digit 8’s”. We recommend that this is done at home on a flat surface/floor when the sail is clean and dry and not on the pier on day one of the course! Your sail number should match your hull number (which can be found on a manufacturer’s plate on your boat).
Safety Checklist
- All boats must have a painter (rope at the front of the boat for tying up/towing), optimists must have a large bailer.
- Boat trolley must be working properly and appropriate for the boat.
- Check hull for and cracks or other damage.
- Check spars, daggerboard, tiller and rudder for damage.
- Check sails for any tears or worn areas that could rip when in-use.
- Check all ropes for wear.
- Make sure there is no water in the hull and any bungs or inspection hatches are present and fit properly.
Please Also See:
2024 Summer Sailing Courses
