RSYC Cadets - Master Page

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

The summer holidays see the return of the ever popular dinghy sailing days at Gins clubhouse on the Beaulieu River and a new combined dinghy event between RSYC and Netley Sailing Club (NSC) held at NSC on Southampton Water.

The Gins Dinghy Sailing Days Thursday 29th and Friday 30th July are right at the beginning of the school summer holidays in July and are specifically aimed at those new to sailing, teaching you everything from rigging a dinghy to launching and basic sailing techniques in the sheltered waters of the Beaulieu River. This two day midweek event is your chance to sail a dinghy under the expert guidance of RYA Instructors. You will be sailing Laser Picos and be accompanied out on the water by the Club’s safety boat and plenty of support boats.

NEW FOR THIS SUMMER - The RSYC/Netley Sailing Club Dinghy Sailing Days Thursday 26th and Friday 27th August are at the end of the holidays and we are aiming for a fun 2 days, apart from the on water activities we are welcome to camp on site and enjoy a barbecue on the Thursday evening. The NSC kitchen will be offering breakfast and lunch each day, there are showers and changing facilities in the Clubhouse. The event is suitable for both beginners and those with more experience, aiming to improve on existing skills and get more performance from your sailing. There will be with a mix of on and off water activities culminating in a mini regatta with sailing, paddling, swimming races etc. NSC offers us a wide range of dinghies, to suit all levels, 6 Toppers, 3 RS Fevas, a Laser and 3 RS Teras. There is also likely to be a trapeze dinghy and a catamaran for joy riding as well as rides in a RIB and a couple of windsurfers to play on. The RSYC Hound and Club Rib will provide additional support on the water.

TRAINING FOR ALL LEVELS, GETTING STARTED AND IMPROVING SKILLS

From May to July (weekends) we are offering cadets places on the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1,2,3 and 4. Your chance to get a formal RYA qualification! The courses are run at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) which is just upriver from the Ocean Village Clubhouse. There are four stages, Stage 1 is for absolute beginners and you can progress through the stages until at the end of stage 4 you will have gained the skills to sail a double handed boat as crew or helm, and solve a variety of problems afloat. Each stage is a two day weekend course but you don’t have to do all the stages. If you already have some dinghy sailing experience, you can join in on the later stage of your choice. For those wanting to progress from beginner to intermediate quickly we can offer a combined 1 & 2 level qualification over 4 consecutive days during the June Half Term. Once you have completed stages 1 & 2 you can enter the RYA “Open Water” program, this will enable you to attend open practice sessions at SWAC from April – October for just £4 for a 3 hour session using the SWAC dinghies.

RSYC run other courses, some of which are suitable for cadets aged 16+, such as the Powerboat Level II. Dates and fees for all courses that are available are on our website www.rscy.org.uk.

FREE DINGHY SAILING AT GINS

You might not know it, but the three Club dinghies, (Wanderer, Gull and Scow) are all available for any member to use any time during the season. The Wanderer will take up to 2 adults and 2 children and is ideal to explore the Beaulieu River, go for a family picnic or just to practice your sailing. The Gull and Scow are also ideal family boats but for either, cadets will need to be accompanied by an adult. To use one of the dinghies, simply book in advance with John the Bosun at Gins on 01590 616213 to ensure that they are available; there’s no charge, so just enjoy the beautiful sailing on the Beaulieu River!

BIG BOAT SAILING

Ocean Youth Trust Sail Training day on board the John Laing Sunday 13th June. Run for the first time last year, and a great success, we are fortunate to be able to offer again this year a day’s really big boat sailing on board the John Laing. For those of you familiar with Ocean Village you may well already know that the dark red-hulled yacht berthed at the entrance to Ocean Village is the sail training vessel John Laing, which is owned by the charity Ocean Youth Trust. The Trust offers adventure under sail to young people. This year we have been able to book the John Laing for a day’s sailing in and around Southampton Water and the Solent for 12 lucky youngsters. We have no doubt that the places will be snapped up and it will be a case of first come first served. Cadets must be a minimum of 12 year’s old and the boat is geared to being able to cope with some disabilities or special needs if required.

The day will start on board the John Laing in Ocean Village at 0930. There will be time for family to have a quick look around the boat before leaving cadets for their day’s sail, starting with a basic introduction and safety briefing. Cadets will be split into watches under the supervision of OYT watch leaders and will prepare the boat for sea. The John Laing will set off down Southampton Water with each watch responsible for hoisting a sail – lots of energy required to get the mainsail up the 90’ mast! Cadets will take turns to steer, keep lookout in the busy Solent and learn how to tack. The route will be dependant on the prevailing weather conditions and tide so lunch may be eaten in harbour or at anchor but more likely, everyone will want to keep sailing! Returning to Ocean Village for 1700, cadets will help drop and stow the sails and get out the mooring lines and fenders. The hardest part of the whole day will be leaving the John Laing but we’re sure it will be an experience never to be forgotten!

A FAMILY WEEKEND IN BEMBRIDGE

Bembridge Family Rally Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September. A weekend of fun for all the family, this event is organised by the Cruising section and is based in Bembridge Marina. There is easy access to the Duver, a wide sandy spit which lends itself to plenty of activities for cadets such as kite flying and sandcastle buildings, and an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings. Bembridge is well worth a visit and if you haven’t been before this is your chance. We are expecting a great turn out this year as disappointingly the event had to be cancelled last year due to inclement weather!!

Booking

As with all RSYC sailing based cadet activities, you can also bring along a friend. Minimum age for all courses is 8 and maximum is 15 except the John Laing sail day where the minimum age is 12.

To make a booking, please contact the Sailing Secretary on 02380 210872 or email sailing@rsyc.org.uk