Youth Pathway

Run by experienced coaches, sailing is an easy to learn, reasonably-priced activity that is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness. As well as being good exercise, it is a really social sport and there are dedicated social, training and racing for under 18s throughout the year. The Youth Pathway is designed to provide a safe, fun environment that gives you the confidence to develop your skills at your own pace.

Our cadets who are learning with us are in groups reflecting experience and skills. The table below shows these groups and what cadets should be able to do to be in that group. This is the grouping that we use on our ever-popular “Cadet Mondays” (see Cadet Mondays) for details of how Cadet Mondays work. You’ll also see the types of boats that each group sails (Optimist, Topper or Laser).

Group typePre-requisite
Water Activity non sailing Group under 10’sThis group (minimum age 7) is designed to build confidence through games and water based activity loosely based around sailing
Beginner Optimist sailingBeginner lessons for young sailors focusing on introductory sailing skills. The children will learn to sail in pairs to build their confidence. To try to satisfy pent-up demand caused by our reduced cadet programme in 2020, this group will be held on a Thursday evening in 2021 instead of Monday.
Beginner Optimist Improver sailingBeginner lessons for children ready to sail their own boat who can follow a simple course and handle a capsize. To try to satisfy pent-up demand caused by our reduced cadet programme in 2020, this group will be held on a Thursday evening in 2021 instead of Monday.
Optimist Regatta FleetIntermediate sailors are encouraged to own their own starter optimist (support is offered in finding an appropriate boat via the cadet coordinators). Ability to rig a boat with some support. Control a boat over a simple reach to reach course. Sail towards the wind and away from the wind. Capsize and recovery.
Topper Regatta FleetAbility to rig a boat with some support. Control a boat over a simple reach to reach course. Sail towards the wind and away from the wind. Capsize and recover boat independently.
Optimist Main Race FleetOwn or have access to a GRP optimist and confidently sail a triangular course in moderate/strong wind strengths. Have a genuine interest in learning how to get the best performance from the boat and harness the competitive edge.
Topper Main Race FleetConfidently sail around a triangular course in all wind strengths. Self-rescue a topper using dry and wet capsize methods. Have a genuine interest in learning how to get the best performance from the boat and harness the competitive edge.
Laser Race SquadConfidently sail a laser in all wind strengths and be committed to developing enhanced racing skills through focused and directed training.

Young sailors who prefer more intense learning can join our RYA Youth Sailing Course over five Saturdays in the Autumn. More details are here: Youth Sailing Course.

Our cadet groups are extremely popular and often over-subscribed. If you’re thinking of joining the club to get your children into the pathway, contact the membership secretary first to find out the current situation: membershipsecnssc@nssc.org.uk.