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RYA Youth Summer Sailing Courses
At Draycote Water we offer all 4 stages, and some advanced modules of the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme (YSS) over a 3 or 5 day course running each week Monday to Friday of the holidays.
WAITING LIST/RESERVE spaces are not a guaranteed place on a course and are subject to someone dropping out of a course. They should only be chosen when spaces for that week are full.
An outline of the scheme and courses can be found below.
Important Information
- There is a minimum age of 8 years old.
- 16+ should take our adult courses
- Participants must be confident in deep water (but don't have to be strong swimmers)
- You do NOT have to be a member of the club.
- If in doubt try sailing first with a taster session
RYA Stages/ Syllabus
Stage 1
This is an introductory course to the world of sailing, giving initial experience and confidence to get out on the water taking control of the boat and sails to gain an understanding of the principles of sailing.
Stage 2
By the end of the stage 2 course you will have a greater knowledge and understanding of sailing allowing you to take a boat out in sheltered water in light winds.
Stage 3
Having completed stage 2 you are now ready for the next challenge, stage 3 teaches you how to sail in any direction and in stronger winds than you would have encountered in stage 2. You also gain the knowledge and time in a boat to call yourself a sailor rather than a beginner.
Stage 4
In stage 4 you take the progression into double handed boats, you practice the same skills as in stage 3 but with the addition of having a more powerful boat, a crew and the different techniques that apply to these boats.
Advanced Modules
These include racing, spinnaker or seamanship skills modules.
After progressing through stage 1 and 2 it is a good time to hire boats, join in youth club and have fun on the water.
With stage 3 and 4 the options of intermediate youth club, racing and advance courses such as spinnaker sailing become available.
Our Courses - Summer Holiday
- 3 Day Stage 1 course. -> suitable for beginners but we do advise a taster session first.
- 5 Day Stage 1 (and 2*) course. -> suitable for beginners but we do advise a taster session first.
- 5 Day Stage 3 course -> Stage 2 required.
- 5 Day Stage 4 course -> Stage 3 required.
- 5 Day Advanced course -> stage 4 or higher required.
* most candidates achieve stage 2 but its is not a guarantee as its based on progress, weather and other factors.
What we provide:
- logbook for beginner courses (and certificate where applicable)
- Sailing kit.
- Wet suit.
- Buoyancy aid.
What you need to provide:
- Suitable shoes (eg trainers)
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Lunch
- £1 for lockers (returnable)
ANPR Monitoring (parking& dropping off)
The site is now monitored by ANPR cameras but Sailing Club members, students and guests are exempt by following the procedure below...
- Parking is only in the lower car park only, first on your right sign posted 'Sailing Club' and 'Draycote Water Sailing Club'
- Each day of your course or visit you need to register your number plate by using a tablet.
- There will be tablet consoles for you to enter your registration plate in the upstairs foyer by the office, next to the signing-on sheets(lower door) and inside the waterside reception.
- You can register at any point during your visit.
- You only need to register once per day regardless of how many times you attend and leave site