What Comes Next…
Learning to sail can lead to all sorts of exciting opportunities. The flow chart above shows different routes that are available to our junior sailors. As you will already have seen, we follow the RYA Junior Program, starting with the beginners at RYA Stage 1 and 2, then moving through stages 3 and 4. We also offer options of additional qualifications such as RYA Start Racing.
As a member of the club and having completed stage 2, you will be welcome to join the extra clubs and activities that we run for our juniors.
Thursday Club – running between spring and the end of the summer holidays.
Every Thursday evening (between 5.45pm – 8pm), we run a sailing club for our juniors who have at least RYA Stage 2. The sessions will include some race coaching as well as general development towards RYA Stages 3 and 4 and the opportunity to sail with others of all abilities.
RYA Stages 3, 4 and Start Racing - run over two consecutive days in August.
Stage 3 can be completed during the same year as you have achieved your Stage 1 and 2, depending on ability. You will work towards the Stage 3 during the Thursday evenings and then have to chance to complete this on our summer training days in August. We also run Stage 4 and Start Racing courses at the same time for more experienced juniors (maybe your sailor next year!), depending on demand.
Feva Sundays - run on one Sunday a month through the summer.
This is for all junior sailors with at least RYA stage 3. Fevas are double handed boats and juniors will be paired with each other by the instructor on the day to ensure an even split of ability. The aim of these days is to give sailors a chance to do some double handed sailing and encourage our juniors to start joining our LLSC club races which run on a Wednesday evening and a Sunday afternoon.
Racing
Most of our junior sailors go on to take part in the junior racing circuit around Wales, the UK and sometimes the World. Sailors tend to start off with local races in an Onboard or Regatta fleet. These are small fleets of boats specifically for the less experienced sailors. Coaches are on the course with them in safety boats helping them out and giving some coaching as they go. Finish positions really dont matter (although of course there are prizes!), just being out there and enjoying it is the aim. Once sailors have more experience, they will enter the main fleet and enter more races. Some even get selected for the Welsh Squad if they put the work in!
We also have club racing on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. This is a mix of abilities, ages and boat types. Juniors should check with our chief instructor that they are ready to join these races.
Instructing
Many of our sailors go on to become instructors. Starting as Assistant Instructors from age 14 and moving onto RYA qualified Dinghy Instructors from age 16. These instructors then support the club by helping out with our RYA Stage courses and regular training. It is a great qualification for your CV and also for working around the world.
Have a look at our main website for dates and more information about the club.