Youth Training Scheme Stage 1 - Getting Started

When and how can youngsters start to learn to sail?

At HBSC you can start when you are ready for the adventure. We use the tried and tested, RYA method of learning for teaching our youngsters to sail. This means that everything is broken down into "bite sized chunks" and for the youth section, that involves the teaching being divided up into x 4 easy, fun filled stages that the kids just love.

We've got small boats, the RS Tera, for the under 10's, the Laser Pico and RS Feva for two up sailing with a mate or an instructor and for those that like a nice stable platform and an adrenalin rush to match their efforts, we have the Hobie Dragoon "Extreme".

As well as learning how to sail and gaining confidence to go out on the water by themselves or with an experienced helm or crew, they are having the time of their lives.

When joining a Stage 1 Course you will be in very safe hands and made to feel very welcome. In fact, to start with, we'll do everything for you (well nearly everything). Your first sail will be under the watchful eye of one of the club's experienced sailors, they'll take you out for a "joy ride" so you get the feel of the movement of the boat and how much fun it really is!

On a Stage 1 Course you will learn a number of things, including:

• Rigging & de-rigging with assistance
• Lunching & recovery
• Rope work (knots!!)
• Turning the boat (going about - when to duck)
• Control of speed
• Parts of a boat
• Wind direction
• Capsize - importance of staying with the boat
• Towing

Cadets are kept in very safe hands, with instructors always out on the water with them. After sailing, well there's always a blast on the safety boat out around the Pier headto blow away the cob webs.

With the extensive range of boats that we have at our club, cadets can progress from one class to another, trying all manner of boats till they find one they like, the emphasis is learning through enjoyment.

Our courses are always quickly filled up, so don't delay, get the "grown-ups" to contact us ASAP and to get you booked in.

"Bring me that horizon!"