Shell Bay Sailing Centre offers Learn to Sail Adults Courses that are perfect for adults looking to take to the water and learn the ins and outs of sailing. These courses run from 10am to 4pm each day, although the timing may vary depending on tide and weather conditions. You can find the course dates on the welcome page of the website. If weekdays work better for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with the centre to discuss other options. It's worth noting that a minimum of 2 students is required for a course to take place, but the maximum student instructor ratio is not specified. To help you get started, log books and text books can be purchased from the centre, and certificates are included in the course fees.
If you're new to sailing, the RYA National Sailing Scheme offers a series of two-day courses specifically designed for adults. These courses will take you from a complete novice to achieving Basic Skills (level 2), and usually take around 4–5 days to complete. The Start Sailing course is your first step into the world of sailing, teaching you the basics using single handers. By the end of this course, you'll have knowledge about launching and recovering your boat, and be able to sail effectively in light winds while still under supervision.
Once you've mastered the Start Sailing course, you can progress to the Basic Skills course. Building upon the knowledge gained from the previous course, you'll learn to sail confidently in light winds without the need for an instructor. This course also includes sailing theory and a controlled capsize recovery with a safety boat present.
For those looking to further enhance their sailing skills, the Better Sailing course is just what you require. This course is designed to consolidate your level 1 and 2 skills, broaden your experience, and help you improve your sailing techniques. It's perfect whether you haven't sailed in a while or have already completed level 2.
In addition to the National Sailing Scheme, Shell Bay Sailing Centre also offers a range of other courses. The Seamanship Skills course focuses on boat handling in more challenging conditions, helping you become a confident and independent sailor. The Day Sailing course teaches passage planning and decision-making for small boat cruising, giving you the knowledge and skills to sail confidently on longer journeys. The Sailing with Spinnakers course covers everything you need to know about sailing a modern 3 sail dinghy. And for those looking for personalised instruction, private tuition is available for individuals or groups, with options ranging from a 2-hour session to a full-day refresher or improver course.
For young sailing enthusiasts aged 8 to 15 years, Shell Bay Sailing Centre offers youth courses that are perfect for getting them started on their sailing journey. These courses run for half a day, from Monday to Friday, starting at 9.30am and finishing at 12.30pm. They are available during the Spring half-term and throughout July and August. Just like the Adult National Scheme, the RYA Youth Scheme is arranged in stages from 1 to 4. Each stage consists of five half-day sessions, with each stage building upon the skills learned in the previous one. By the time they complete stage 4, they'll be confident sailors, able to handle double-handed boats and tackle moderate wind conditions.
Ready to set sail? Making a booking is easy. Just head to the Shell Bay Sailing Centre website and fill out the tuition application form provided. As for payment, the course fees can be paid by cheque, credit/debit card, bank transfer, or Paypal, giving you plenty of options. If you have any more questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to Shell Bay Sailing Centre.
