RYA Dinghy Level 1 - Start Sailing (Age 16+)
The scheme is a series of two-day courses for adults wanting to learn in dinghies, small keelboats and multihulls. It has been designed to help you enjoy whichever aspect of the sport appeals to you.
Start your training with a course appropriate to your experience - read this advice from RYA
Requirements and Outcomes
| Level 1 | Introducing you to sailing with all you need to know to get afloat under supervision |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge | None |
| Minimum Duration | 2 days |
| Minimum Age | 16 |
| Course Content | How to sail in all directions, including an awareness of launching and recovering |
| Ability after the course | Able to sail in light winds under supervision |
| Timings | Day One - Course Agenda |
|---|---|
| 9.15 | Arrive at Dundee Sailing Club to sign in for your course and meet your instructors where you will be briefed and issued your sailing kit and the instructors will show you the location of the changing rooms, toilets, lockers and drying rooms. (See notes below re clothing and equipment) |
| 10.00 | Rigging, launching, sailing techniques and manoeuvre |
| 13.00 | Break for lunch. There is a recreation room onsite and there is plenty of room for groups to sit and enjoy their packed lunch whilst enjoying the amazing views of the Tay Estuary. |
| 14.00 | The 5 essentials, upwind, down wind sailing and capsize recovery |
| 16.30 | Finish sessions afloat and de-rig |
| 16.45 | Debrief and get changed |
| 17.00 | Depart |
| Timings | Day Two - Course Agenda |
| 9.15 | Arrive kit issue and morning briefing |
| 10.00 | Rigging, launching, gybing, windward and lee shore boat recovery |
| 13.00 | Break for lunch |
| 14.00 | First solo sail, triangular course and returning to shore |
| 16.30 | Recover boats, de-rig, background theory and certificate presentations |
| 17.00 | Depart |
What to bring and other essential information
Included in your course cost is the use of our wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray tops. Students will need to bring with them suitable footwear (Close toed footwear) (old trainers or wetsuit boots), swimwear (for under wetsuits) and shorts and T shirts, finally a towel is essential. A warm change of clothes for afterwards is also advisable. Other useful items not to forget are a water bottle ( drinking water available in kitchen), sun cream, sun hat and a waterproof camera. There are lockers available however we look after personal possessions belonging to the group. *RYA Books – If you already have a log book we would kindly ask you to bring it with you on your first day and hand it to your instructor. If you do not have a log book and would like to purchase one we do have them available for sale at our centre. A log book is yours to keep and all sailing qualifications gained at an RYA recognised training centre will be logged. If you do not have a log book , you will be issued one as part of course cost. Remember that the log book is yours to keep and should be used to record and log all sailing qualifications gained at an RYA recognised training.
Venue
The course begins at 9.15am sharp at Grassy Beach Sailing Centre which is based within Dundee Sailing Club’s facility. The Centre has toilets, changing facilities and a recreation room. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. The kitchen also has cooking facilities to support any dietary requirements.
If you are driving to the venue we recommend parking in the car park at the bottom of Ogilvie Drive, Broughty Ferry to the right of the level crossing. Once parked, candidates should cross the level crossing by the gates and turn right onto the foot/cycle path and the building is about 100 metres on the right hand side.