Salcombe Dinghy Sailing

21/06/2026

It’s a beautiful day ☀️⛵️

17/06/2026

RYA Youth Sailing Stage 2

What changes when the course is taught on tidal waters?

The official Stage 2 syllabus is the same whether taught on a lake, reservoir, estuary, or sheltered coastal venue. However, centres operating on tidal waters usually introduce additional practical awareness because the sailing environment is more dynamic.

Children may learn about:

* Recognising the direction of tidal flow
* How tide affects the boat’s track through the water
* Launching and landing with tidal currents present
* Allowing for drift when sailing around marks or returning to shore
* Awareness of channels, mudbanks, and shallow areas
* Reading local conditions and following instructor guidance regarding tides

15/06/2026

The RYA Youth Sailing Stage 2

This course is designed to take a child from basic boat handling (Stage 1 level) to being able to sail a dinghy around a simple course with increasing confidence and control. It is typically aimed at children aged 8–16 years.

What children learn in Stage 2

By the end of the course, children should be able to:

* Sail on all basic points of sail (upwind, across the wind, and downwind)
* Tack and gybe with reasonable control
* Control boat speed
* Launch and recover a dinghy safely
* Understand basic collision avoidance rules
* Learn simple ropework and knots
* Sail a simple triangular or rectangular course independently

14/06/2026

08/06/2026

A brilliant first morning on the water as our adult sailors work towards their RYA Levels 1 and 2 qualifications. The sunshine has certainly been an added bonus! ☀️⛵

27/05/2026

RYA Stage 1

What’s different on tidal waters?

On tidal water venues, instructors usually introduce children early to the idea that:

* the water itself moves
* boats drift sideways with tide/current
* launching and landing are affected by flow
* steering angles change because of tide
* timing matters around slipways and shorelines

The course is still beginner-friendly, but tidal centres naturally teach more “water awareness” from day one.

For example, a child may:

* sail upstream then drift back down
* learn to point the boat differently to reach a target
* practise recovering a boat in moving water
* experience moored boats, channels, buoys, and harbour traffic

This often creates stronger practical seamanship skills early on.

26/05/2026

What children learn in RYA Stage 1

Core skills include:

* Parts of the boat
* Steering
* Sailing across the wind
* Basic turning (tacking)
* Launching and recovery
* Simple ropework and knots
* Wind awareness
* Safety afloat
* Confidence in and around the water

By the end, children should be able to sail a simple course in light winds under supervision.