Training
Burton Sailing Club is an RYA recognised teaching centre. As such we have to meet high standards for the quality of our instruction and safety, and are subject to regular inspections to ensure these standards are maintained. We extend our warm welcome to all that want to learn to sail or improve their sailing techniques. We regularly offer "Beginners" or "start sailing" courses to the general public. This are as described in the RYA level 1 & 2 syllabus. The club also provide advanced sailing, first aid and power boat courses from time to time especially to club members. See the course programme for planned courses.
Beginners' course
Our beginners' training courses will take you from a complete novice to someone able to handle a dinghy safely in light wind conditions. You will start gently with an instructor and soon develop the confidence to go solo. By the end of the course you will be able to rig your own training boat and sail a triangular course. More information on the content/syllabus covered by the course is covered below. For course dates and prices please see the course schedule on this website.
Please remember that all water based activities can be cold and we recommend the following items of clothing are used by course attendees (Help and advice can be provided by the course organisers and instructors):
- Wetsuit/dry suit ideally for dinghy sailing but alternatively warm clothing of some type.
- Waterproof/windproof clothing.
- Soft/old shoes/trainers (they will get wet).
- Hat (as most body heat is lost via your head).
- If you wear a watch make sure it is waterproof, glasses should have restraining cord.
- A towel and change of clothing for when you return to the clubhouse.
Syllabus RYA Levels 1&2
No previous experience is necessary
- Introduction to sailing at Burton SC and the course
- Clothing and buoyancy aids
- Introduction to sailing
- Basic turning through the wind (Tacking)
- Capsize principles and practise
- Sailing up wind (to windward)
- The five essentials
- Leaving and approaching shore
- Sailing downwind
- Basic turning with the wind behind (Gybing)
- Sailing a triangular course (using all of the sailing techniques learned so far)
- Man overboard
- Coming to a buoy
- Basic Racing
- The boat - rigging and important features
- Rights of way
- Wind and Weather
- Basic navigation
- Knots
- Types of boat
- What's the next step?
This list is intended as a guide to general topics covered. The order will vary depending on the weather, but our aim is to develop student's practical skills, so practise will be the recurring theme!
Training
