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Junior RYA OnBoard Programme

The RYA OnBoard programme offers young people the opportunity to try out sailing in a safe, structured and fun environment.

Open to anyone aged 8-18, the RYA OnBoard programme enables those taking part to experience all the excitement and relaxation that being on the water offers, whilst at the same time teaching them a wide range of invaluable life skills, from problem-solving to leadership and teamwork.

If you want to take on a new activity, learning how to dinghy sail is a must! You will have fun, make new friends and learn exciting and valuable skills that will help you both now and in the future!  RYA OnBoard is run through Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club from April to September.

As you’d expect, you’ll learn everything there is to know about being in a sailing dinghy.  In most cases, you will be on the water from day one as part of a group with an instructor close at hand.  You’ll receive detailed and expert instruction, but OnBoard is mainly about being on the water in a relaxed and fun environment – so you can really enjoy and make the most of your time on the water.

Email babbacombe.corinthians@gmail.com for bookings and enquiries. Further information on membership can be found here.

FAQ’s

Who can take part? – Anyone aged 8-18 can get involved, whether they have sailed before or not.   All sailing equipment will be provided for you though we do recommend that you own your own wetsuit and boots. Advice on this can be sought from the club.

Can I bring my friends? – Yes, as long as there is room on the programme – so spread the word! OnBoard is a great way of meeting new people and making new friends too, so if you come on your own, you won’t be on your own for long!

When does OnBoard start? – OnBoard runs from our Oddicombe Beach RYA Training Centre on Friday nights at 5.30pm from May to August. Each weekly session will typically will last for 2-3 hours.

What will I learn? – RYA OnBoard is a structured programme of activity based on stages 1-2 of the RYA Youth Scheme.  The instruction you receive will be based on this and will also reflect your level of sailing experience. Sailing can also teach you a number of important life skills that you’ll find invaluable both on and off the water. These include working as part of a team, problem solving, leadership, communication and decision making.  Many participants also find that their confidence, independence and creativity also improve as a direct result of taking part.

What happens the first time I sail? –  Your instructor will show you exactly what to do and make sure you are comfortable and confident before you go out.  They make everything easy to understand and get you ready to have a go. There are lots of different types and sizes of boat to sail.  Some are just for one person and others you can sail with your mates.  Whichever boat you are in, you will always go out as part of a group, never on your own, and always with an instructor close by.

Can parents get involved? – Whilst adults cannot take part in OnBoard themselves, lots of parents volunteer to help out and really enjoy this involvement, often bringing the whole family down to lend a hand. Parents who already sail also use this time to get out on the water themselves.