Kids Club
Kids Club is our fun, friendly way to get young sailors on the water, building confidence, making friends and learning real skills in a safe, structured environment. It runs on Fridays from late April to mid August and is open to members only, offering superb value for money and far more hands on time than any commercial centre.
Children learn through play, short activities and simple challenges, with plenty of encouragement from our qualified instructors and enthusiastic assistant team. The focus is on enjoyment first, with steady progression as their confidence grows.
What kids club is about
Kids Club introduces children to sailing in a gentle, supportive way. Sessions are designed to help them feel safe and happy on the water while learning the basics of steering, balance, rigging, wind awareness and boat handling.
For those who are ready, we build towards RYA Stage 1, Stage 2 and beyond, while ensuring that every child moves at the pace that suits them. The emphasis is always on safety, fun and developing good habits from day one.
A typical progression
Every child is different, and the wind never behaves the same twice, so sessions vary. A common journey might look like this:
Early confidence building
- Getting comfortable in boats
- Learning parts of the boat and basic rigging
- Steering with support
- Simple games on the water
- Building trust in the instructors and safety team
Beginning to sail independently
- Tacking and gybing with guidance
- Sailing a short course
- Stopping and controlling speed
- Returning to shore safely
Progressing through the stages
- Sailing upwind and downwind
- Balance, trim and boat handling
- More accurate tacks and gybes
- Sailing longer courses and simple challenges
Fun extras
- Team games on the water
- Mini races for those who want to try
- Treasure hunts, follow the leader and other confidence builders
- Shore based activities on no wind or poor weather days
How a typical session runs
- Arrival and rigging with instructor help
- Short briefing with clear tasks for the session
- On the water for games, challenges and coached activities
- Back ashore for derigging and a quick tidy
- Finish with a group chat, stickers, certificates or simple awards
The aim is always the same. Keep it safe, keep it fun and keep them wanting to come back.
Equipment and what to bring
We have a full fleet of junior training boats including Teras, Toppers and double handers. Club wetsuits and buoyancy aids are available to borrow. Children should bring warm layers, a waterproof top, soft shoes they do not mind getting wet and a towel.
Safety and safeguarding
Safety is our first priority. Kids Club is run by qualified instructors with dedicated safety cover on the water. We follow the clubs safeguarding policy at all times, with clear procedures for changing rooms, supervision and communication.
Parents are encouraged to stay and watch from the shore and help with launching, recovery and de-rigging.
After kids club
Many children move on to junior racing, or our youth training groups. Others simply enjoy messing about on the water with friends on club days. Whatever their path, Kids Club gives them the skills and confidence to enjoy sailing for life.
How to join
Kids Club is for members only. To secure a place for your child, become a family member, then contact the training team and we will confirm availability and next steps.
Last updated 11:04am on 2 January 2026