Summer is the perfect time for young people to experience the excitement and freedom of sailing. At Oxford Sailing Training Trust (OSTT), our summer sailing camps for youths provide more than just time on the water. They offer a complete experience of fun, adventure, and personal development in a safe and supportive environment. Our RYA-recognised programmes are designed to help young sailors gain confidence, build friendships, and develop valuable skills that last a lifetime.
What Makes OSTT’s Summer Sailing Camps Special
Our summer sailing camps are tailored to young sailors of all abilities. Whether a child is stepping into a dinghy for the first time or is already confident on the water, we offer structured pathways to ensure everyone can learn at their own pace.
With a mix of practical sailing sessions, fun group activities, and safety-focused training, every participant leaves camp with a sense of accomplishment. The emphasis is on hands-on learning, teamwork, and building a genuine love for sailing.
To ensure a memorable experience, our camps include themed days, mini regattas, and water-based games. These activities keep sailing exciting and help juniors develop a wide range of skills without feeling like they are in a traditional classroom setting.
A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Safety is our top priority. All activities are led by qualified RYA instructors who have extensive experience working with juniors. We maintain excellent safety standards, provide appropriate equipment, and ensure a supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable trying new skills.
Small group sizes mean personalised attention, giving each young sailor the guidance they need to progress confidently through their sailing journey.
Parents can rest assured knowing that safety protocols, including boat checks, weather monitoring, and life jacket requirements, are consistently maintained throughout the camp. We also conduct daily briefings and debriefings to ensure that every junior understands safety rules and feels prepared for their sailing sessions.
Skill Development and RYA Certification
Our summer sailing camps align with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Youth Sailing Scheme. This structured programme allows juniors to work through stages that cover everything from the basics of boat handling to advanced sailing techniques.
- Stage 1: Learning basic controls and safety awareness.
- Stage 2: Developing independence and sailing simple courses.
- Stage 3: Sailing confidently in different conditions and manoeuvres.
- Stage 4: Advanced rigging, handling, and racing techniques.
Completing stages during camp can lead to RYA certifications, giving young sailors recognised qualifications that support future sailing opportunities. These certifications also act as stepping stones for more advanced pathways such as racing sessions or instructor training.
Our instructors provide tailored feedback, helping juniors understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This personalised guidance allows each participant to advance at their own pace while feeling supported.
Building Confidence, Independence, and Teamwork
Sailing is more than a sport; it’s a way to build essential life skills. At OSTT’s summer camps, youths develop independence by making decisions on the water, working through challenges, and learning to handle different conditions.
Teamwork plays a key role, with juniors collaborating during group sailing sessions, supporting each other, and sharing responsibilities. These experiences improve communication skills and foster leadership qualities that extend beyond the camp.
Participants also learn perseverance and resilience. Capsizing a boat or facing unexpected weather conditions teaches them how to remain calm, problem-solve quickly, and try again without fear of failure. These skills benefit them not only in sailing but in school, sports, and future careers.
Fun Beyond Sailing
While sailing is at the heart of our camps, we also include a variety of fun activities to keep the experience exciting. From games and challenges onshore to group adventures on the water, every day offers something new and engaging.
Camp participants often form lasting friendships, creating a positive social environment that makes the experience even more memorable. Evenings may include team-building games, nature walks around the lake, and informal gatherings where juniors share their achievements from the day.
Special themed events, such as treasure hunts and friendly competitions, add an extra layer of excitement to the camp schedule. These activities encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in a relaxed setting.
Pathways for Continued Progression
After completing a summer sailing camp, juniors can continue their journey with our year-round programmes:
- Junior Weekend Courses: Regular sessions that allow steady skill development during the school year.
- Junior Holiday Courses: Additional intensive sailing opportunities during school breaks.
- Instructor Courses: For older juniors aiming to take on leadership roles and inspire future sailors.
Many of our current instructors started their journey at these summer camps, progressing through the RYA stages and developing advanced sailing techniques. This pathway shows how an introductory camp can lead to lifelong opportunities in watersports.
Parents who wish to keep their children engaged in sailing year-round often find that weekend and holiday courses provide an ideal balance of consistent learning and flexibility. This continued training helps juniors transition smoothly into advanced courses or leadership programmes.
Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Awareness
Sailing naturally fosters an appreciation for nature. Our camps highlight environmental responsibility, teaching juniors about water safety, wildlife preservation, and sustainable sailing practices. Spending time on the water connects youths with the natural world, helping them develop a lifelong respect for the environment.
Learning to work with natural elements like wind and water builds environmental awareness and teaches young sailors how to adapt to changing conditions responsibly. Many participants leave camp with a deeper understanding of eco-friendly practices, which they share with their families and communities.
Parental Involvement and Support
We believe in keeping parents informed throughout the camp experience. Progress updates, advice for continuing practice, and end-of-camp feedback sessions help families understand their child’s development. We encourage parents to join us for final-day showcases where juniors demonstrate their new skills.
This involvement strengthens the link between camp learning and continued sailing practice, whether through weekend courses or future summer camps. Parents often comment on the noticeable improvement in their child’s confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for outdoor activities after completing our programmes.
Enrol in OSTT’s Summer Sailing Camps for Youths
There’s no better way for young people to spend their summer than learning to sail with OSTT. Our camps provide an exciting, educational, and safe experience where juniors build confidence, make friends, and develop valuable skills both on and off the water.
Spaces fill quickly for our popular summer programmes. Explore our Junior Holiday Courses and Junior Weekend Courses to secure a place and start your child’s summer sailing adventure today.
