4 days
Age 16+
This four day course is an opportunity to complete the RYA Seamanship Skills and Day Sailing Modules, and then put those skills into practice by day-sailing a dinghy around the Cumbrae Islands and the surrounding area.
The course teaches more independence and develops the ability and skills to sail further afield. The Instructor will cover launching and recovering the boat in different circumstances, stopping, reducing sail, recovering a man overboard, anchoring, preparing, planning and putting into practice a day cruise, pilotage and decision making including the consideration of adverse conditions.
Pre-requisistes/experience required
RYA Basic Skills (Level 2) or equivalent.
National Sailing Scheme Syllabus and Logbook
RYA Dinghy Sailing – Advanced Handbook
There is a wide range of dinghy sailing equipment at the Centre.
In our single-handed fleet (one sailor/boat) we use the Laser Picos. These are super boats for beginners or advanced sailors as they provide progression in sailing skills and encourage application of racing techniques. The sail can be reefed to suit the wind conditions and they are suitable for both children and adults.
Our other boats where we generally have 1 instructor to 3 persons (depending on age and size) are the Laser Stratus and the RS Bahia’s. These are spacious boats with good stability and can be sailed with main and jib or for more advanced levels with the addition of the spinnaker. The boats can also be used for trapezing.
Also, in our fleet we have the Dart 16’s. This is a catamaran and great fun to sail. Children can sail it with 3 – 4 onboard and adults would sail it with 2 people. These boats are good for learning boat handling skills and providing the experience of acceleration through the power of sail and wind.
The boats you sail at Cumbrae will be selected by the instructors to suit the objectives of your course or tailored activity.
Getting wet is unavoidable so we will make sure you have the correct gear. A wetsuit, wetsuit boots, buoyancy aid and spray top are available for your use and can be dried overnight ready for the next day’s action. In addition, we would request you bring garments such as swim wear, woolly hat and warm socks. Hot showers are available in the changing areas and accommodation areas so bring a spare towel.
×On arrival check in at our reception which is situated in the main entrance. You will be asked to complete a form with course and emergency contact details. A room key will be issued for residential guests and a brief outline of centre facilities indicated.
Main timings of our day are:
Meals times
Lunch: 1230hrs. For residential guests - Breakfast: 0830hrs & Dinner: 1800hrs
All meals are served in the dining area.
Activity times. Your activity will run from 0930 – 1630hrs.
Your instructors will guide you with clothing, activity and the content of the sessions.
Residential Guests: Evenings are generally free time unless your course has specific tutelage incorporated or activities have been pre arranged.
If you are on a single day course the 0915hrs ferry from Largs to Cumbrae will get you here in sufficient time and plan for the 1730 return crossing.
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