Havant Youth Sail Training Scheme

Sail HYSTS is a sailing school located in Havant, New Zealand, offering sailing lessons to young people aged 8 and upwards. With the goal of providing fun on the water, Sail HYSTS is dedicated to helping young sailors learn and enjoy the art of sailing.

At Sail HYSTS, they pride themselves on affordability and have fully qualified and experienced Sailing Instructors who guide beginners through the initial stages of sailing. Even if you have never sailed before, they will ensure you quickly become a good sailor by following the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training from Stage 1 to Stage 4.

The selection of sailing days at Sail HYSTS is not random. Due to tides and the depth of water in Chichester Harbour, the school can only sail for two hours on either side of high water. Before the sailing season begins, an analysis of tide times from March to October is conducted. Weekends with high tide between 1000 and 1400 are identified, allowing young sailors to arrive as early as 0800 and be collected by 1630.

These dates are shared with volunteers and senior instructors who can then put their names forward for sessions. The schedule is posted on the website for easy access. If there are any gaps in volunteer availability, the school works to fill them as the sailing dates draw nearer.

Sail HYSTS acknowledges the importance of its volunteers, who play a crucial role in helping young people enjoy sailing. However, they also note that finding volunteers can be challenging, especially after the COVID-19 period. The school encourages anyone interested in helping to reach out, even if it's for occasional sessions. No sailing experience is required, as training and support will be provided.

Volunteers who work with young people will also undergo a DBS check, which will be covered at no cost.

Safety is a top priority at Sail HYSTS. For this reason, there may be occasions when sailing sessions need to be cancelled. The school prioritises the safety and well-being of young sailors and volunteers and aims to provide an optimal experience. Some reasons for session cancellations include adverse weather conditions, such as excessive wind or freezing, a shortage of volunteers, or insufficient participation from young sailors.

The school closely monitors weather forecasts in the week leading up to the session, making a go/no go decision on Thursday or Friday afternoon to allow for rescheduling if necessary.

Sail HYSTS aims to provide a memorable and educational experience for young sailors, instilling confidence and a love for sailing. By offering affordable lessons and a supportive community of volunteers, they strive to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all. Visit their website for more information about Sail HYSTS, their fleet, safety measures, and training.