Frequently Asked Questions
Why Llandegfedd Sailing Club?
As an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) recognised training center, we offer internationally recognised RYA qualifications. We are a volunteer run club which enables us to keep our prices low and ensures we are led by sailors for sailors. All of our instructors are friendly, enthusiastic and fully qualified. We are set in a beautiful location with a watersports centre run by Llandegfedd Activities, walks, nature and a cafe for refreshments.
How much is a Llandegfedd Sailing Club (LLSC) membership?
Junior membership is £50 per season. Or you may be interested in family membership at £150 per season.
Your first year's membership is half price, so just £25 for a junior if you have not been a member before!
What are the generous sibling discounts for the courses?
Each two day course is:
- £90 per person.
- A second sibling is £60.
- A third (or more) sibling is just £45!
For the discount, siblings must be booked onto the same course. We are able to keep our prices so low thanks to our fully qualified volunteer instructors.
Which courses should my child do?
Join our RYA Stage 1 course to start your child’s sailing journey, followed by RYA Stage 2 to complete the basic training. These courses start from the very beginning, suitable for children who have never been in a boat before or who have already had some experience and are looking to have another go.
We recommend booking both stages together to avoid disappointment over availability.
How old does my child need to be to start learning?
Our courses are aimed at children aged between 8 and 13 years old. We may be able to make exceptions for slightly older children (please speak to us about this).
What skills should my child have to be ready to take part?
Children must be water confident with some swimming ability. Sailors will be in the water whilst learning but will always be wearing a buoyancy aid.
What could affect the courses going ahead?
Due to the nature of the sport, we are controlled by the weather. This can sometimes result in rearrangement of a course. We will also need a minimum of 6 sailors to run each course.
What does each course include?
- Use of boats and helmets (wetsuits and buoyancy aids are NOT included but can be hired from Llandegfedd Activities).
- RYA Log Book to track the sailors progress.
- RYA Certificate (subject to completion). Please note: completion can be affected by the weather. We cannot guarantee completion at the end of these two days.
What is not included?
- Wetsuit and buoyancy aid (these can be hired from Llandegfedd Activities if you do not have your own)
- Food & drink. It is essential to bring a packed lunch and drink.
- Clothing. Please ensure the child is dressed for the weather conditions.
- Sunscreen. We highly recommend your child wears sunscreen.
What should my child wear to attend the courses?
Suitable clothing is an absolute must for a happy sailor. The sailors WILL be in the water. This happens while launching and recovering the boats and also when they learn to (or accidentally) capsize! Most kids love being in the water but being warm is key to this. Suitable footwear must be worn at all times whilst on the site.
We would suggest a full wetsuit and water shoes or wetsuit boots (or an old pair of trainers. NOT flip flops or sliders). Rash vests can help make wearing a wetsuit more comfortable and warmer. Thermal rash vests, thermals or skins under wetsuits can be good if it is cold. Spray tops or a light waterproof coat can help to keep the wind off.
Nobody is allowed on the water without a suitable buoyancy aid. This is essential kit. We supply these with the help of Llandegfedd Activities.
If your child does not have a wetsuit, you are able to hire them from Llandegfedd Activities at the Watersports Centre.
Helmets must be worn on our RYA Stage 1 and 2 courses and will be provided by us for the two days.
It is also important to remember suncream!
Is there somewhere to get changed?
Yes! Llandegfedd Watersports centre (owned and run by Welsh Water) have wonderful facilities for us to use, including changing rooms and showers. Please note that these are used by all water users, not just our club or sessions. The changing rooms and showers are both open areas with no cubicles. Children are not supervised in these areas.
What boats will the children be sailing?
The club have a fleet of Toppers which will be used for the courses. These boats are simple and ideal for beginner sailors. Toppers are single handed dinghies (one person per boat) so children will be learning to sail their own boat from day one.
Will the children get certificates?
Internationally recognised RYA certificates will be awarded upon successful completion. We try to ensure all children complete the course, but various reasons may prevent this. If your child is unable to achieve their certificate, we will discuss the reasons with you and work together to find a solution.
What will the children be doing during the courses?
Our courses are two consecutive days long. Each day will run between 9.30am and 4pm.
Your children will be met by their instructors at 9.30am while you sign them in. We have a qualified instructor for every 6 children. We also have assistant instructors who are our older youth sailors there to help.
The course will start with a briefing, introduction to the boats and some basic instruction. After that as much time as possible will be spent on the water. The emphasis is on learning through having fun. Briefings and theory will take place inside the Watersports building.
What does a parent need to do on the day?
All Participants and Parents/Guardian(s) must meet at the WaterSports Centre at 9.30am and 4pm to sign their child in and out of the care of the instructors. Please do not leave site with your child without first signing them out with us.
Parents of primary school aged children must remain on site and available for the length of each course. There is wifi available in the cafe if needed.
You might want to stay around even for older children if your child needs help getting into or out of their wetsuit or to escort them to the bathroom (the site and all of the facilities are open to the public). We are unable to help with either of these things due to safeguarding.
What's next after RYA Stages 1 & 2?
On completion of RYA Stages 1 and 2, sailors are welcome to join us on our weekly Junior Thursday Club nights. We have a very active junior side of the club where the sailors will make new friends and work towards further qualifications.
We run a Stage 3 course in August if there is enough demand. Once junior sailors complete their RYA Stage 3 course (this can all be done in one year!), they are welcome to join our weekly club racing or take part in further clubs such as Feva Sundays (double handed boats).
Will my child be safe on the water?
For every 6 children there will always be at least one safety boat on the water which are manned by our instructors. Children are not allowed on the water without the safety boats being in place. We also ensure there is an assistant instructor on the beach until the last boat has launched and again before the first sailor returns.
Everyone on the water is required to wear a buoyancy aid at all times.
What if my child is nervous?
Please let us know if your child is nervous about starting sailing. We understand that it can be scary to start something new. We will never force a child to do anything they don’t want to, but we will encourage and look out for them. Our whole instructor team are friendly and kind. They have all worked with nervous children before - they may have even been one themselves when they started sailing.
If a sailor really isn’t enjoying themselves, they will be taken into the safety boat with the instructors until they want to try again. As a last resort, parents will be contacted to collect the sailor. Don’t worry, even if this happens, they can try again next year if they want to.
How do I book?
Follow the link at the bottom of this page!
How can I stay updated?
You can email us anytime using the address below. When you book a space on the course you will be sent a QR code to join a WhatsApp group for the course. We strongly encourage you to join this group as this is the preferred method of communication for the club. You can ask any questions you have and we can update you throughout the course.
Can we come and have a trial session first?
Yes! We are running two Discover Sailing Days, where individuals or family’s can come along and have a little go with one of our experienced volunteers. Follow this link for more information and to book a taster slot: Discover Sailing Days
Do you have any more questions? If so, please contact us on:
training@llandegfedd.org.uk
Are you ready to book a place?