Learn To Sail

Shotwick Lake Sailing, a sailing club based in Deeside, offers an extensive range of training opportunities to cater to individuals of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned sailor, there are courses available to suit your needs.

Our training program is regularly updated on our website, so interested participants can easily check the calendar for available courses. Even if you're not a member of our club, you can still join in on beginner courses for windsurfing and dinghy sailing. It's a great way to dip your toes in the water and get a taste of what sailing is all about.

As a recognised training centre by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) for windsurfing, dinghy sailing, and power boating, you can trust that our courses meet the highest standards. For windsurfing enthusiasts, we offer the 'Start' course for adults, as well as Junior Levels 1 & 2. To ensure personalised attention, we keep the student-to-instructor ratios at a maximum.

When you enrol in our courses, the course fee includes the RYA Logbook, RYA Handbook, and, for successful candidates, the prestigious RYA Certificate. We believe in providing our participants with all the resources they need to excel in their sailing journey.

But our training program doesn't stop at formal courses. We also organise informal training sessions conducted by our class captains. These sessions are specifically designed for individuals who already have some sailing experience but wish to enhance their skills in race training and boat tuning. To further elevate our participants' racing and boat tuning skills, we often invite visiting class coaches to share their expertise.

To foster a sense of community and camaraderie, we host an Informal Training Class called 'Sail in Company' every Friday from May onwards. It's a fantastic opportunity for sailors of all abilities to come together, improve their skills, and have a great time. During these sessions, qualified instructors and experienced sailors are present to provide valuable tips, advice, and ensure the participants' safety with the presence of a safety boat on the water.

For our club members who have some sailing experience but are unsure of how to start racing, we offer introduction to racing sessions. These sessions provide a more relaxed atmosphere compared to our Start Racing course, allowing participants to gain confidence and learn the ropes at their own pace.

Our junior sailors also receive special attention. We conduct winter training sessions where they can practice various boat handling techniques and tactics. Additionally, we provide single-hander training using brand new Topper dinghies, catering to juniors, adults, and teenagers.

Formal training at Shotwick Lake Sailing, recognised by the RYA, focuses on introducing individuals to the basic skills of sailing and also offers more advanced courses. When you sign up for our courses, your course fee includes the RYA Logbook, RYA Handbook, and, upon successful completion, the highly regarded RYA Certificate. Our experienced instructors ensure the safety of participants aboard seaworthy and well-maintained craft, and our supervision ratios meet the standards set by the RYA.

Our instructors are all volunteers who are passionate about passing on their knowledge and skills to others. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in the high standards we maintain. Regular inspections carried out by the RYA ensure that our training craft and instructors meet these high standards. We also undergo spot inspections during courses to ensure the consistent quality of tuition and equipment.

In conclusion, Shotwick Lake Sailing offers a comprehensive training program for individuals interested in learning and improving their sailing skills. Through our courses and informal training sessions, we aim to develop confident and skilled sailors who can enjoy the thrill of sailing on Shotwick Lake and beyond. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sailor looking to further your skills, we have something to offer you. Join us and embark on an exciting sailing journey!