Youth Sailing

Paignton Sailing Club provides sailing tuition and race training for youngsters from 8 years of age. We aim to encourage youngsters to have fun out on the water in safety and to enjoy dinghy sailing.

Our next junior learn to sail course (RYA Stage 1) will be held in the early summer of 2025.  Date to be confirmed.

Big Friday Sailing - During the summer months, end of March onwards, we will again be using Friday nights as our Junior Sailing night. This is incorporated under the banner of Big Friday Night Sailing in the club programme. The format will allow our juniors to have fun in a safe and structured learning environment to progress their sailing skills. During these sessions, we will undertake a range of activities afloat including informal training to short races and cruises to nearby beaches.  Friday evenings are not just for our younger members though, it is generally a good time for those older members who want to learn new skills or brush up on old ones to come along and experience a fun and supportive environment.

Family and parental support are really important both on and off the water. We are keen for parents to get involved on the harbour side, galley, or as instructors, rescue boat drivers or support and general helpers or even learn to sail and sail themselves. Through participating in the Friday nights, you can learn how to rig and launch our dinghies and help man our safety boats while enjoying watching the youth sailors sail in our beautiful bay.

All abilities are welcome and having your own boat is not a requirement.  We have a range of Club boats, which provide a range of sailing experiences, available for hire at affordable prices. Boat hire ranges from £6 and we have Toppers, Picos, Fevas, Fusions, Lasers, Visions and a 2000 for those more experienced.

Advancing into racing  On Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings we cater for juniors to compete in the club racing. Full rescue cover is provided, however, we expect all those competing to be confident in the prevailing conditions and to have parental backup ashore. Club boats can be hired for these racing sessions, however, we are encouraging boat ownership for juniors who want to progress their sailing, particularly into racing.

Boat ownership has many benefits and should not be a prohibitive cost. We can advise and help in the sourcing of a suitable boat, as well as boat parking. In addition, we are actively promoting participation in Regional and national training. Currently, we have juniors and youths competing and involved in regional/national training and competitions.

Last updated 18:13 on 23 November 2024