Training FAQ

General Training FAQ

  • Will I gain an RYA certificate?

    Each stage in the RYA syllabus requires a certain level of practical skills as well as theory knowledge and understanding. You do need to ensure you practise your sailing between courses by taking part in RYA onboard and adult sail clinics. Do not expect to achieve a certificate every time you complete a course, especially if you have not sailed since your last course. Our aim is to get everyone out enjoying sailing in a safe and fun environment.

  • Where can I watch my child’s sailing lesson from?

    Accompanying adults will be welcome to watch the activity from the shore or from the bar in the club if open. HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE – ONLY STUDENTS & INSTRUCTORS ARE ALLOWED ON THE PONTOONS; this in order that instructors can monitor the safety of the young people.

  • Will there be a break for snacks and using the toilet?

    Yes there will be a comfort break scheduled into the day. However if you need to use the facilities whilst on the water every effort will be made to accommodate this as soon as possible whilst keeping the rest of the group safe. If you feel yourself or your child cannot wait up to two hours to use the toilet please inform the instructor.

  • What if there is bad weather?

    Courses will always take place as scheduled. The instructors will have been watching the weather closely and planning the course based on the weather. In some cases there may be a day where it is not suitable to sail; course theory will be conducted which is needed to complete RYA qualifications.

  • Do I have to stay onsite whilst my child is on a course?

    Children can be left in the care of the instructors as long as you are contactable by phone if needed. It is recommended that for the first day of your child's course you stay in the vicinity of the clubhouse. If your child is likely to need your help to use the toilet during the course it is also recommended that you stay on site.


    If your child is under the age of 6 it is essential that they have a supervising parent or designated adult on site at all times.

  • Cancellation Policy

    In the event of cancellation of a student place within 7 days of course commencement there will be no refund of course fee. In the event of cancellation or curtailment of a course due to weather or lack of instructional staff a credit note will be issued for whatever was missed.

What to wear/bring with you

  • Powerboat Courses

    • Clothes appropriate for the weather conditions- but working on being on the water can be up to 10 degrees colder than the land. Waterproofs are essential.

    • Trainers, dinghy boots or wellies for the feet

    • Hats- always a woolly hat! remember it will always feel colder on the water. AND a wide brimmed hat if sunny

    • Change of clothes and towel

    • Sun bloc – helps prevent windburn and sunburn

    • Packed lunch + drink and snacks

    • Medication- if required- clearly labelled with instructions and name. please make instructor aware

    • Pen and paper

    • Powerboat level 2 candidates need to bring a passport sized photo with them

    • Safety boat course- as a safety boat driver you must be prepared to enter the water, therefore you must be dressed to do so- wetsuit or drysuit and appropriate warm layers for the weather conditions.

      Buoyancy aids will be provided by the club

  • Sailing Courses

    • You are taking part in a water sport and you are likely to get wet, so always remember a change of clothes and a towel.

    • Clothing for training – wetsuits are ideal, but if not, lightweight stuff that dries easily, with a couple of layers if it is cold, plus waterproofs.

    • Trainers or dinghy boots for the feet

    • Hats- always a woolly hat! remember it will always feel colder on the water. AND a wide brimmed hat if sunny

    • Sun bloc – helps prevent windburn and sunburn

    • Packed lunch + water or other drink

    • Medication- if required- clearly labeled with instructions and name. please make instructor aware

    • Optional extras: knee pads, sailing gloves

  • What if I don't have a wetsuit?

    You can buy them relatively cheaply from the beach shops at the end of Walton high street in summer. A long wetsuit is always advised as it is always colder on the water. superstores also stock them as well as lots of online places such as wetsuit centre and wetsuit outlet. you will get the most out of your course in a wetsuit as you will stay warmer. Quick dry clothes recommended with waterproofs if you cannot get hold of a wetsuit.