Start Sailing – 5 Day School Holiday Course (Ages 8 – 15)
A brilliant first step into sailing (and a confidence boost that lasts)
Our 5-dayStart Saiing course is the perfect way for young people to get on the water, learn real sailing skills, and have a fun, active week outdoors. Across five days, students build confidence and competence step-by-step, learning how to rig, launch, sail, and recover safely — with plenty of games and challenges along the way.
Whether they’ve never sailed before or have only had a short taster session, this course is designed to take them from “first time” to sailing independently (under supervision) by the end of the week and gain their RYA Stage 1 certificate along the way.
Who it’s for (pre requisites)
Ages: 8–15
Ability: Beginners
Experience: None required
If your child is already sailing regularly, ask us about our improver weeks and advanced coaching options.
What they’ll learn
Over five progressive days, students typically cover:
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Water confidence & safety basics (rules, signals, staying safe, looking after each other)
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Boat parts & rigging (how to set up a dinghy properly)
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Launching & recovering
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Steering and sail control (finding balance, controlling speed)
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Points of sail (sailing across the wind, upwind and downwind)
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Tacking and gybing
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Capsize awareness and recovery (taught calmly, confidently, and only when ready)
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Sailing as a team (communication, decision-making, seamanship)
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Fun sailing games and mini-challenges to build skill without pressure
Course format
Duration: 5 days (Monday–Friday)
Daily timetable: 09:15–16:30
Location: Chieftain Training, Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC)
Instructor ratio: Small groups with qualified instructors, maximum of 6 children to 1 instructor
Progression: Skills build each day with clear goals and plenty of water time
We sail in safe conditions matched to the group’s ability. If weather isn’t suitable, we’ll run shoreside sessions (knots, rigging, rules, weather, and fun theory) and get on the water as soon as it’s appropriate.
What to bring
We’ll send full joining instructions, but as a guide:
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Swimwear + towel
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Warm layers (quick-dry)
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Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old trainers are ideal)
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Warm change of clothes for after sailing
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Packed lunch + snacks + refillable water bottle
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Any medication (e.g., inhaler) clearly labelled
We provide: buoyancy aid, wetsuit and spray top
Safety, supervision and standards
Safety is built into everything we do. Sessions are run by experienced, appropriately qualified instructors using structured session plans and risk assessments.
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Buoyancy aids worn on/near the water
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Clear boundaries and operating areas
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Safety boat cover as required
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Age-appropriate coaching, with confidence at the centre
If your child is nervous about deep water or capsizing, tell us — we’re very used to helping first-timers feel comfortable and will help them climb those barriers
Booking
Spaces are limited and weeks will fill quickly. Book Below
Questions before you book?
We’re happy to help with kit, sizing, confidence concerns, or whether your child should join the beginner or improver group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to be able to swim?
Yes — participants should be comfortable in water and able to swim a short distance (25m) while wearing a buoyancy aid.
What if the weather is bad?
We’ll adapt the plan. If it’s unsafe to sail, we run engaging shoreside training and water-safety activities, and return to sailing when conditions allow.
Will they get a certificate?
Where suitable, we can work toward RYA Youth Sailing scheme outcomes. Certificates depend on ability, attendance, and conditions.
Can friends be in the same group?
Tell us at booking and we’ll do our best, but we also group by confidence/age/ability to help everyone progress.