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ALL AT SEA OCTOBER 2021
BE INSPIRED THIS AUTUMN If you have been inspired to take to the water by Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics or at last month’s Southampton Boat Show, and want to know more about getting started in sailing, you have come to the right place.
What about the youngsters?
A great way to get started is through OnBoard, the RYA’s grassroots programme. it offers young people from all backgrounds the chance to experience sailing through a local sailing club, centre, school or youth group. OB lessons are suitable for anyone aged 8 - 18 and no experience is required to get involved. They usually take place between spring and autumn and can be from around 30 minutes to a few hours. The basics can easily be learnt in a couple of weeks or over a number of sessions, and all activity is run at RYA accredited training centres, so it is completely safe!
After school activities and holiday clubs
W
herever you live, sailing offers a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time outdoors all year round with friends and family, whilst taking advantage of both the physical and mental health benefits associated with being on the water. Sailing can often be perceived as an expensive activity but can actually be very affordable, especially when compared to the cost of a gym or a football season ticket. Here are our top tips to get afloat this autumn…
Where do I start?
Learning in a dinghy is a great way to start sailing. Single-handers are a popular choice and can be the quickest way to learn due to being lightweight and easy to rig and launch. If you do not fancy being in a boat alone, double-handers or keelboats are larger boats designed to be sailed by two or more people, making it an enjoyable way to learn with others aboard. If you want to give sailing and windsurfing a go, the best place to get started is your local sailing club or training centre. With more than 2,000 RYA affiliated clubs and recognised training centres in the UK alone, and even more overseas, there is bound to be one near you and they offer activities all year around. Located around the coast and on inland waters, you only need to see the home sailing venues of our Olympic medallists to see just how widely spread our clubs and centres are. Use the ‘Where’s my nearest’ search to find your local sailing venue at rya.org.uk/wheres-my-nearest.
Taking a course at an RYA training centre is one of the quickest and easiest ways for youngsters to learn to sail or windsurf all year round, with most centres offering courses and sessions for children from eight-years-old, sometimes younger. Many centres offer both after school sessions and holiday clubs to fit in around other commitments. A number will accept childcare vouchers, so it is worth checking what is covered. For more information about courses and activities for children visit rya.org.uk/ training/under-16s.
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The club scene
Local sailing and boating clubs offer opportunities to get on the water with a range of sailing, cruising, racing, courses and events for all abilities. Many have boats to hire or borrow for free and are a great place to find people who may need crew. They also have youth and family weeks in the school holidays, as well as opportunities to try other watersports like paddleboarding, windsurfing and kayaking. Many sailing clubs offer a fantastic scene with activities on and off the water taking place all year round. They are becoming attractive destinations for families and people of all ages, during the week as well as at weekends. Some even have cycling or yoga groups to get involved with if sailing is not possible. If it is related to enjoying time on and around the water with likeminded others, clubs will try and offer it! Every club is different, so ask and compare to find what best suits your lifestyle and social expectations.
Training courses and uali cations
With more than 100 RYA courses to choose from, there is something for every age, ability and interest. The choice is yours. The National and Youth Sailing and Windsurfing training schemes are perfect for anyone wanting to learn to sail or windsurf. The short courses can be run over a number of sessions, or two full days, and will see you progress quickly from beginner to expert in a controlled, safe and enjoyable environment. Options include training at your local club or centre or booking a course to coincide with your holiday - either in the UK or overseas. As well as benefiting from
Image: Paul Wyeth
“The water is at its warmest during the autumn months, and with the right kit there is no better escape than being on the water enjoying the red and gold leafy backgrounds and fresh air.”
Great fun and rewarding to learn, sailing and windsurfing also offer the chance to get active and enjoy time outdoors. Being on the water has been shown to benefit both our health and wellbeing and it could not be easier to give it a go. “Luckily we have a wealth of coastline, lakes and waterways for people to find a bit of escapism and benefit from the positive effects associated with being outdoors and on the water,” explains Rob Clark, RYA director of sport development. “The water is at its warmest during the autumn months, and with the right kit there is no better escape than being on the water enjoying the red and gold leafy backgrounds and fresh air.” For more information about getting started sailing visit www.rya.org.uk/start-boating.
the expertise of an RYA instructor, all the equipment you will need is provided and some centres also offer all-in-one options including accommodation and catering. For more information about training courses and to find an RYA recognised training centre near you visit rya.org.uk/training.
Sailability
RYA Sailability offers a level playing field for disabled sailors with activities for young people, adults and groups throughout the year – all at your pace and adapted to your abilities. There are more than 200 RYA Sailability sites across the UK and further afield, welcoming people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors, feel freedom on the water, learn new skills and build confidence. Visit rya.org.uk/sailability to find out more about boating and to find a Sailability group near you.
Image: Paul Wyeth
The RYA covers all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, s and sports boats, windsur ng, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.
