| Saturday Sailing is a new initiative to Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club that offers the chance for novice and improver sailors to become involved in crewing on racing boats. We take people with a variety of experience and offer a gradual introduction to yacht racing with our experienced fleet of skippers and crew over five Saturday mornings.
The emphasis of the course will be to cover essential areas of theory and classroom based activities such as tying knots, packing spinnakers, race start procedures, racing rules, names of items on the boats etc in our fabulous yacht club. At the end of each session there will also be the opportunity for each attendee to get out on the water on board some of the fastest local yachts to practise some of the basis sailing and racing techniques covered during the course.
Booking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just to do the theory aspects?
You are paying for the theory and classroom based activities in the yacht club, so the answer is yes. Any opportunity to go out on the boats is an added extra that attendees can benefit from.
What happens if the weather is not good?
If the conditions are considered too rough by the organisers and/or skippers after a particular session then we will not go out and the indoor session will be extended. Although we would like to give you the opportunity to go out after each session, there is plenty we can cover without leaving the dock including knots, spinnaker packing, race start procedures, racing rules, names of things on the boat, points of sail, sail trim etc.
You will generally have the option to go out after the theory session in cold and showery weather, so please check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing (further details below).
Am I fit enough to sail?
Sailing is an active sport and racing particularly does require a certain level of fitness and mobility for each of the crew to move around the boat and to pull ropes.
If you are in any doubt as to whether you should participate in the course's practical activities or any particular session, then please obtain advise from your doctor. All medical conditions must be disclosed to the organisers and skippers each time, before you sail. This is of particular importance given that emergency medical assistance will take longer to arrive on the water than it does on land.
Are there any age limits?
There is no upper age limit, although we would ask you to consider whether you are fit enough (see above). There is a lower age limit of 18, although exceptions may be made on a case-by-case, at the organiser's discretion, where a parent is also in attendance at Saturday Sailing.
What if I get sea sick?
Some people find that the excitement of racing and keeping active on the boat helps to combat any feelings of sickness.
However, if you think you are likely to suffer then taking one of the many medications available over the counter at pharmacies is a good idea. Please pick a product that won't make you drowsy and please take it well in advance of going sailing as they can take a considerable time to take effect.
What do I need to bring?
Lifejackets will be provided, but you need to come prepared to be outside for a couple of hours. Soft-soled shoes, or boots that will give you adequate grip whilst not marking the decks are essential. Lots of warm layers are better than thick layers as you'll get hot at times. Waterproofs are essential - golfing or walking types will be sufficient as we won't be venturing afloat in really adverse conditions. Sailing gloves (available from any online chandler) will also be required. It may also be beneficial to bring a change of clothes as well.
Disclaimer
Please note that you will be asked to sign the attached disclaimer prior
to your first session.
- Saturday Sailing is not an ‘official’ training course, it is designed to provide an introduction to inshore yacht racing and an appreciation of the basic skills required to crew on a racing yacht.
- Saturday Sailing sessions are provided by volunteers who receive no payment for their involvement.
- You are paying for the theory and practical aspects of the course to be covered in the yacht club.
- After each session we will offer the opportunity to each attendee to go out on boats in our racing fleet, but this will be an optional extra at no further cost to participants.
- All boats are provided free of charge by their owners and all participants aboard receive no payment for their involvement.
All members of the club, their guests and visitors, may use the club premises and facilities of the club entirely at their own risk on Saturday Sailing days between 08.45 and 18.00, except that:
- The Club, its officers and members will not accept any liability for any damage or loss of property belonging to members, their guests or visitors to the club.
- The Club, its officers and members will not accept any liability for personal injury arising out of the use of the club premises, or participation in any race or activity organised by the club, whether sustained by members, guests or visitors, whether or not such damage or injury could have been attributed to or was occasioned by neglect, default or negligence of any club officers, members or committees.
Members will draw the attention of any guests, visitors or participants to the following conditions:
- As with any sport there is some risk associated with sailing.
- You must agree to follow the instructions of the designated skipper of your yacht and should follow their instructions in a calm and controlled manner.
- Decks, etc, are often wet and therefore slippery, so care must be taken when moving around. Suitable footwear must be worn at all times.
- Should you wish to wear a lifejacket and/or lifeline at anytime, please inform the skipper. When instructed by the yacht skipper to wear a lifejacket and/or lifeline, you must do so promptly.
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