Junior Holiday Sailing Courses
Give your child a summer of skill, confidence and adventure with our 5-day junior sailing courses. Open to young sailors aged 8–16, these RYA-recognised courses are delivered at Farmoor Reservoir by qualified instructors and are structured to support every level of experience.
From beginners starting their journey to advanced juniors refining techniques like catamaran sailing and racing, each course blends expert coaching with fun and challenge on the water. All safety equipment is provided, and our team ensures a supportive and friendly learning environment throughout.
Explore the course options below and choose the right sailing path for your child.
Sailing Stage 1 & 2 (5-Day)
A complete beginner course that introduces the foundations of sailing in a safe, enjoyable setting. Children will learn how to steer, control speed, and sail a dinghy confidently.
- Previous experience required: None
- Course times: 09:30 – 16:30 (Mon–Fri)
- Teaching ratio: 6:1
- Logbook: Logbook available at checkout
Sailing Stage 3 & 4 (5-Day)
For juniors who’ve completed Stage 2 and are ready for progression. This course covers more advanced skills including launching in different conditions, sailing a triangular course, and capsize recovery.
- Previous experience required: RYA Stage 2
- Course times: 09:30 – 16:30
- Teaching ratio: 6:1
- Logbook: Bring existing logbook
Seamanship Week (5-Day)
A practical and confidence-boosting week for competent junior sailors. This course includes boat rigging, anchoring, reefing underway, sailing without a rudder and more.
- Previous experience required: RYA Stage 4
- Course times: 09:30 – 16:30
- Teaching ratio: 6:1
Catamaran Week (5-Day)
A thrilling course for juniors looking to master high-speed twin-hull sailing. Sailors learn to handle catamarans with confidence while developing balance, coordination and sail trim.
- Previous experience required: RYA Stage 4
- Course times: 09:30 – 16:30
- Teaching ratio: 9:1
Spinnaker & Race Week (5-Day)
This course focuses on developing racing techniques, including starts, race rules, and mark rounding, as well as spinnaker handling for downwind performance.
- Previous experience required: RYA Stage 4
- Course times: 09:30 – 16:30
- Teaching ratio: 6:1
Advanced Race Week (5-Day)
A course for skilled young racers ready to hone competitive strategy. Sailors work on boat speed, tactics, and confidence in mixed fleet conditions.
- Previous experience required: RYA Stage 4
- Course times: 09:30 – 16:30
- Teaching ratio: 6:1
FAQs for Junior Holiday Sailing Courses
Instruction, safety equipment, logbooks (where relevant) and boats are all provided. Children should bring swimwear, lunch, and a towel each day.
Beginners should start with Stage 1 & 2. If your child has already passed Stage 2 or 4, our instructors can advise on the next best course.
Yes. All sailing courses follow the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) junior syllabus and are led by RYA-certified instructors.
