Summer Term Youth Sailing

We will be running Sunday morning sailing sessions from 1030 (on the water at 1100) until 1230 from Sunday 14th April right through to the Summer Holidays.

We aim to get as many of our young sailors on the water outside of the usual summer holiday fun and games.  We want to provide the opportunity for our young members to get more time on the water and build their confidence and skills.

This brief should give you all the information you will need to be ready for the Sunday sailing sessions:

• Dates and Times – from Sunday 14th April through to the summer holidays until 30th June. (Less Sun 26th May).  We will gather at 1030 and aim to be on the water at 1100.  We will be off the water at 1230.

• Booking – please let clubmanager@aldeburghyc.org.uk know if you are planning on signing up to the sessions.

• Fees – the only fee will be for boat hire if you are using one.  Otherwise, this is a member’s volunteer run session and no further fee should apply.

• Numbers – we are limited to 15 boats on the water (which 2 safety boats can cope with).  This is a new initiative, and we will need to gauge demand as the season progresses.

• Ability – Young sailors need to be RYA Stage 3 or have equivalent experience to take part.  This means they need to be able to rig and derig their boats, independently sail a triangular course and right a capsized boat with no assistance.

• Instruction – this is not an RYA course however if you are interested in further instruction outside of the usual summer holiday courses, please contact training@aldeburghyc.org.uk (Andrew Bardsley – Resident Instructor). If there are sufficient numbers, he may be able to arrange something.

• Boats – ideally sailors will use their own boats (it’s a great opportunity to get to know them) however some club boats will be available. I suggest you book ahead.

• Clothing – it will be cold at the start of the season therefore please have good wetsuits, gloves etc.  Rooster has some good kit for colder weather sailing.

• Weather – We will always endeavour to make as early a call on weather conditions as possible.  If, on Saturday, the forecast is clearly too windy we will call it then.  If it is marginal, we will aim for a decision by 0900 on Sunday to avoid any unnecessary travel.  We will do all we can to get people on the water however safety will always come first.

• First Sunday – irrespective of the weather we would like to run the first session as an introduction on Sunday 14th April.  If we can get out on the water, we will.  If not possible however it would be great to get everyone together, brief and do some shore-based sessions to get everyone back into the sailing mindset after the long winter.

• Volunteers – we are always looking for parents to help us with these volunteer sessions.  We are looking for PB2 and Safety Boat drivers, crew, and general helpers for launching and recovering.