FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Adult Courses
Do you run adult courses?
Do you run Adult Courses?Yes. We do run courses for adults. They are generally run across a weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Go to our adult courses page to find our more.
What's the difference between private and group courses?
Both our private and our group courses work towards RYA qualifications.
For our group courses up to 6 students will be in the group with one instructor. When on the water the instructor will be in a powerboat and students will either be in a singlehanded boat on their own or in a larger double handed boat with another participant. The instructor will work around the boats providing on the water instruction.
We can offer private tuition either 1:1 or 2:1. For this the instructor and participant(s) will be in a larger double handed dinghy together throughout the course. This means that you receive much more feedback throughout your course and the course is able to be much more flexible.
What kit should I bring?
There is no need to buy specialist sailing clothing for your course; we will provide you with a wetsuit and a buoyancy aid. All you need to bring are:
- A swimming costume and lightweight t-shirt to wear underneath your wetsuit.
- A towel in case you get wet or for showering after sailing.
- Closed toe footwear which you don’t mind getting wet (old trainers are perfect). Flip flops or sandals cannot be worn afloat.
- Sun protection.
- A packed lunch and water bottle.
Can I skip RYA Adult lv 1?
Yes, you can book straight on for a Level 2 course if you feel you are already at Level 1 standard. To give you an idea at the end of a Level 1 we would expect sailors to be able to sail around a small triangle course going upwind and downwind, tacking (turning the front of the boat through the wind) and gybing (turning the back of the boat through the wind).
The other option would be a private course, these are a little more expensive. You work one on one with one of our experienced instructors reach you potential.
What qualification do I need to hire a boat?
Most centres that run hire schemes require an RYA Level 2 qualification. Here at Wembley we are not able to hire boats out to non-members however members with an RYA Level 1 qualification are able to use our club boats for free as long as a safety boat is available and at the discretion of the Duty Warden.
I'm a beginner what course should I do?
For beginners to dinghy sailing, we suggest our RYA Level 1 course. This course aims to introduce participants to sailing and take them to a point where they are comfortable with the basic techniques to sail around a short course. It's great as a standalone course or can lead on to our RYA Level 2 course which introduces more advanced techniques such as coming alongside a moored boat and picking up a man overboard.
Each of these courses takes place over a weekend and can either be booked as a group course with up to 5 other participants or as a 1:1 or 2:1 private course with an instructor.
You can see available dates for our group courses and book here. If you would like to arrange a private course then please get in contact.
I want to do a Level 1 and Level 2, is there a discount?
If you book both an RYA Level 1 and Level 2 course at the same time a 10% discount will be applied to your Level 2 course when you checkout.
Youth Courses
What kit should I bring for junior course?
There is no need to buy specialist sailing clothing; we will provide them with a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. Please ensure you pack them:
Does my child have to swim?
For all of our courses we provide children with buoyancy aids at any point where they are in or around the water. We ask you to let us know if they cannot swim 50m so that we know they may be less comfortable in the water.
What age does my child have to be to learn how to sail?
Unfortunately, the minimum age requirement for our courses is 7 years old. We suggest that if your child is between 7 and 9 they book onto the Young sailors course. Once they are 9 then they can start with the RYA stage 1&2.
When do you run Youth Courses?
We run courses over the Easter Holidays, the Summer Holidays and the May and Autumn Half terms. You can find all the upcoming dates here.
Do you run Youth Courses over the winter?
The sailing season comes to an end on October 31 and opens again in March. Therefore we don't run any beginner training courses over the winter.
Sunday sailing is open throughout the year for those with stage 1 (level 1) or above. These are instructor led sessions that focus on continuing to practice the skills learnt during our junior courses. Head to Members' Sailing to find out more.
Which course should my child book onto?
Age 7-9
For beginners aged 7-9 we recommend our Young Sailors course. This takes place in SailQube dinghies designed for our youngest sailors. While the course does work towards the RYA Stage 1 certificates there is an increased focus on gaining confidence on the water and learning through games.
Age 9-15
For beginners aged 10-15 we recommend our Stage 1 and 2 course. This takes place in Laser Pico dinghies. Throughout the week participants work towards their RYA Stage 1 and 2 certificates covering all the basic skills needed to get out on the water as a confident sailor.
After stage 2
For sailors aged 10 to 15 who have completed their Stage 2 course we recommend our Stage 2 & 3 course. This course teaches sailors everything the need to know to launch, rig and sail a dinghy independently in all directions.
RYA Stage 3 content: Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing around a triangle course, capsize recovery and sailing theory.
After stage 4
After completing Stage 4 the next course we advise is our Youth Advanced course. This course focuses on working towards the two of the RYA Advanced Modules. These are courses that focus on developing specific advanced skills.
At the start of the week the group will sit down with their instructor and discuss their current experience and what they would like to move on to next. The instructor will then pick two from the following three modules to work towards during the week:
Sailing with spinnakers: A spinnaker is a specialist downwind sail launched from the front of the boat that resembles a kite and allows boats to achieve far greater speeds downwind. This module covers all the basic skills needed to rig, launch, recover and sail with a spinnaker.
Start racing: This covers all the basic skills needed to start racing on the water covering tactics and techniques from start to finish.
Seamanship skills: The strapline for this course is "Solving problems afloat". This focuses on handling all sorts of different situations that could occur while sailing from man over board situations to anchoring to getting home with a broken rudder or centreboard.
To book head over to Youth Sailing Courses.
How many students are in a course?
All our Junior courses run with groups of up to 6 students and 1 instructor responsible for the group. We currently have a maximum of 6 groups on site during the week overseen by at a senior instructor.
There is no need to buy specialist sailing clothing; we will provide them with a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet. Please ensure you pack them:
- A swimming costume and lightweight t-shirt to wear underneath their wetsuit.
- A towel in case they get wet and for showering after sailing.
- Closed toe footwear which you do not mind them getting wet (old trainers are perfect). Flip flops or sandals cannot be worn afloat.
- Sun cream, please make sure they have sun cream on when they arrive and have some with them to re-apply later in the day.
- A packed lunch and water bottle.
Does my child have to swim?
For all of our courses we provide children with buoyancy aids at any point where they are in or around the water. We ask you to let us know if they cannot swim 50m so that we know they may be less comfortable in the water.
What age does my child have to be to learn how to sail?
Unfortunately, the minimum age requirement for our courses is 7 years old. We suggest that if your child is between 7 and 9 they book onto the Young sailors course. Once they are 9 then they can start with the RYA stage 1&2.
When do you run Youth Courses?
We run courses over the Easter Holidays, the Summer Holidays and the May and Autumn Half terms. You can find all the upcoming dates here.
Do you run Youth Courses over the winter?
The sailing season comes to an end on October 31 and opens again in March. Therefore we don't run any beginner training courses over the winter.
Sunday sailing is open throughout the year for those with stage 1 (level 1) or above. These are instructor led sessions that focus on continuing to practice the skills learnt during our junior courses. Head to Members' Sailing to find out more.
Which course should my child book onto?
Age 7-9
For beginners aged 7-9 we recommend our Young Sailors course. This takes place in SailQube dinghies designed for our youngest sailors. While the course does work towards the RYA Stage 1 certificates there is an increased focus on gaining confidence on the water and learning through games.
Age 9-15
For beginners aged 10-15 we recommend our Stage 1 and 2 course. This takes place in Laser Pico dinghies. Throughout the week participants work towards their RYA Stage 1 and 2 certificates covering all the basic skills needed to get out on the water as a confident sailor.
After stage 2
For sailors aged 10 to 15 who have completed their Stage 2 course we recommend our Stage 2 & 3 course. This course teaches sailors everything the need to know to launch, rig and sail a dinghy independently in all directions.
RYA Stage 3 content: Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing around a triangle course, capsize recovery and sailing theory.
After stage 4
After completing Stage 4 the next course we advise is our Youth Advanced course. This course focuses on working towards the two of the RYA Advanced Modules. These are courses that focus on developing specific advanced skills.
At the start of the week the group will sit down with their instructor and discuss their current experience and what they would like to move on to next. The instructor will then pick two from the following three modules to work towards during the week:
Sailing with spinnakers: A spinnaker is a specialist downwind sail launched from the front of the boat that resembles a kite and allows boats to achieve far greater speeds downwind. This module covers all the basic skills needed to rig, launch, recover and sail with a spinnaker.
Start racing: This covers all the basic skills needed to start racing on the water covering tactics and techniques from start to finish.
Seamanship skills: The strapline for this course is "Solving problems afloat". This focuses on handling all sorts of different situations that could occur while sailing from man over board situations to anchoring to getting home with a broken rudder or centreboard.
To book head over to Youth Sailing Courses.
How many students are in a course?
All our Junior courses run with groups of up to 6 students and 1 instructor responsible for the group. We currently have a maximum of 6 groups on site during the week overseen by at a senior instructor.
Powerboat Courses
Is PB2 the correct course for motor boat travels?
Our Powerboat Level 2 course is a great place to start powerboating. We will cover all the essential skills needed to handle a small powerboat covering both wheel and tiller steer boats. At the end of the course, you would be able to apply for an International Certificate of Competence for powerboats up to 10m in length. The skills required for powerboat handling are essentially the same regardless of the size of boat so starting with a small responsive boat where you can very clearly see how your inputs will affect the handling is often a really good idea.
However, if in future you were looking to hire a larger powerboat such as a motor yacht you would need to take an additional course. I've attached a link to the RYA's explanation of the powerboat scheme for more information: https://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/training/Pathway%20leaflets/Powerboat.pdf
Go ahead and book your Powerboat Lv 2 here.
What should I bring?
There is no need to buy specialist clothing for your course; we will provide you with a buoyancy aid. Please ensure you bring:
Our Powerboat Level 2 course is a great place to start powerboating. We will cover all the essential skills needed to handle a small powerboat covering both wheel and tiller steer boats. At the end of the course, you would be able to apply for an International Certificate of Competence for powerboats up to 10m in length. The skills required for powerboat handling are essentially the same regardless of the size of boat so starting with a small responsive boat where you can very clearly see how your inputs will affect the handling is often a really good idea.
However, if in future you were looking to hire a larger powerboat such as a motor yacht you would need to take an additional course. I've attached a link to the RYA's explanation of the powerboat scheme for more information: https://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/training/Pathway%20leaflets/Powerboat.pdf
Go ahead and book your Powerboat Lv 2 here.
What should I bring?
There is no need to buy specialist clothing for your course; we will provide you with a buoyancy aid. Please ensure you bring:
- Warm clothes and waterproofs to wear on the water.
- A towel in case you get wet or for showering after sailing.
- A change of clothes in case you get wet (it doesn’t happen very often but it’s better to be prepared).
- Closed toe footwear which you don’t mind getting wet (old trainers are perfect). Flip flops or sandals cannot be worn afloat.
- Sun protection.
- Packed Lunch
Club & Membership
Can my child become a member?
Yes. Please go to our membership page to see prices. We ask that a social membership is purchased by the parent/guardian to help support their child at thee center. With the members children get free sailing every Sunday, up to 20% off courses, racing on Sunday morning and exclusive members training.
Can I hire a boat?
Unfortunately, the bye laws of our site prohibit us from offering dinghy hire to non-members. However, we do offer free access to our club dinghies to all members.
How do I become a member?You can find out more about membership and where to join here. If you would like to come and visit the club to hear more about what goes on then please let us know.
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Yes. Please go to our membership page to see prices. We ask that a social membership is purchased by the parent/guardian to help support their child at thee center. With the members children get free sailing every Sunday, up to 20% off courses, racing on Sunday morning and exclusive members training.
Can I hire a boat?
Unfortunately, the bye laws of our site prohibit us from offering dinghy hire to non-members. However, we do offer free access to our club dinghies to all members.
How do I become a member?You can find out more about membership and where to join here. If you would like to come and visit the club to hear more about what goes on then please let us know.
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Refunds & Cancellation
What is your refund policy?
If you would like to cancel or transfer your course, please email [email protected]. Our cancellation and transfer policy ensures that courses will reliably run. We recommend using a credit card or insurance to reclaim your money in case you cannot make the course at the last minute.
Our cancellation and transfer policy is as follows:
If a course participant misses any part of the course, we are under no obligation to offer completion of the course, a transfer to an alternative course or a refund.
If you would like to cancel or transfer your course, please email [email protected]. Our cancellation and transfer policy ensures that courses will reliably run. We recommend using a credit card or insurance to reclaim your money in case you cannot make the course at the last minute.
Our cancellation and transfer policy is as follows:
- - More than 4 weeks before the start of your course:
- - Cancellations outside of 4 weeks before the start of the course will incur a £15 administration charge.
- - Transfers outside of 4 weeks before the start of the course incur no cost.
- - Less than 4 weeks and more than 2 weeks before the course:
- - Cancellations less than 4 weeks but more than 2 weeks before the course are eligible for a 50% refund.
- - Transfers are not available less than 4 weeks before the course.
- - Less than 2 weeks before the course:
- - Cancellations less than 2 weeks before the course are not eligible for a refund.
- -Transfers are not available less than 2 weeks before the course
If a course participant misses any part of the course, we are under no obligation to offer completion of the course, a transfer to an alternative course or a refund.
