What's it All About

Junior Sailing is a popular and highly social activity for juniors and helpers alike. Indeed it is one of the jewels in the RDYC crown. 2007 was a great success, largely thanks to skilful organisation by Paul & Carol Rampling and the numerous willing volunteer helpers.

It is probably the only activity where there is a real opportunity for a broad mix of members of all ages to get afloat and enjoy sailing on the river Dart together. It is open to children of club members and also to non-members and, typically, around 50 boys & girls age about 10-16 split into 4-5 groups by ability - from absolutely no experience up to RYA regional youth racing squad team members. So there is opportunity to progress from complete novice to very competent sailor.

Using RYA training method, the RDYC is a recognised training centre, with volunteer senior instructors who are RYA-qualified. We also have a group of juniors and recent Junior Sailing participants who are training to be RYA Assistant Instructors, many going on to become qualified instructors. These are supported by about 50 volunteers: adults, parents and club members who provide help instructing, crewing rescue boats, launching boats, first aid, admin, and most importantly making cups of tea!

Juniors do not have to race, although it is a fun way to learn quickly. Logical progression is from Saturday morning sessions, through a team racing event one Saturday, on to junior points race evenings in summer holidays, onto DRYSA week - an action packed event combining juniors of the River Dart sailing clubs for a week in July. Many juniors then either race in the junior part of the Dartmouth Regatta or crew in the bigger boats racing out at sea in Start Bay, with some going on to cruise and race all over the world

Boats used are mainly provided by the club and borrowed from Britannia Royal Naval College, instructors and juniors, including Optimists, Toppers, Bosuns, Gulls, J 80 sportsboats and rowing boats.

Overall it is a very sociable and enjoyable activity, a great way to meet people, and to learn to sail, or improve sailing skills. If you would like to know more or get involved, please contact Tim Dewing tim@azimuthmc.co.uk or tel: 01626-821250

Sailing Programme