Summer 2024 | GBSC

Junior and Teenager Sailing Courses
GBSC is an authorised Irish Sailing Training Centre

If you're interested in Summer Sailing Courses and getting a qualified as a sailor then the Irish Sailing pathway program offers a set of progressive courses that are designed specifically for teenager sailors, teaches them essential sailing techniques and water safety in a fun, engaging way, all while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Guided by certified instructors, the program ensures a safe and supportive learning atmosphere, so you can feel confident that your child is in great hands as they embark on an exciting journey filled with growth, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Irish Sailing Start Sailing Level 1

Start Sailing is an Irish Sailing approved Level 1 introductory sailing course designed for junior and Teenager sailors between the ages of 8 and 17 years of age.

This course is specifically designed as an Introduction to Sailing with no previous experience required.

The course will run from 0930 to 1700 Monday to Friday with supervised lunch break between 1300 and 1400. Sailors should bring their own lunch.

Objective

By the end of this course participants will have a basic understanding of the following:

Clothing & equipment

Safety

Capsize recovery

Rigging

Ropework

Launch & recovery

Basic Sailing techniques & manoeuvres

Sailing knowledge

Weather

Full course outline

Previous knowledge or experience

No previous experience required.

Equipment

Buoyancy aids are provided by GBSC. Wetsuits are available but if sailors have their own wetsuits and boots, that is preferable for their comfort.

Duration: 1 Week

Book here

Basic Skills is an Irish Sailing approved introductory sailing course designed for junior and teenager sailors between the ages of 8 and 17 years of age.

Participants will be expected to be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge included in the Irish Sailing Start Sailing or Cara na Mara course

The course will run from 0930 to 1700 Monday to Friday with supervised lunch break between 1300 and 1400. Sailors should bring their own lunch.

Objective

By the end of this course participants will have a basic understanding of the following:

Capsize recovery
Identify all of the parts of the boat, rigging & sails.
Rig a boat for use and according to the weather conditions.
De-rig a boat and secure / care for hull, foils and sails.
Reef a boat while ashore.
Launch your boat and sail away from shore.
Sail back to shore and recover your boat.
Paddle or row a boat around a triangular course and come alongside.
Leave and return to a beach or slipway in the prevailing wind direction
Describe how to land on a beach or slipway when the wind is offshore, crosshore and onshore

Full course outline

Previous knowledge or experience

Participants should have completed the Irish Sailing Start Sailing or Cara na Mara

Equipment

Buoyancy aids are provided by GBSC. Wetsuits are available but if sailors have their own wetsuits and boots, that is preferable for their comfort

Duration 1 Week

Book here

Irish Sailing Basic Skills Level 2

Improving Skills is an Irish Sailing approved introductory sailing course designed for junior and teenager sailors between the ages of 8 and 17 years of age.

Participants will be expected to be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge included in the Irish Sailing Basic Skills.

The course will run from 0930 to 1700 Monday to Friday with supervised lunch break between 1300 and 1400. Sailors should bring their own lunch.

Objective

By the end of the course you will be able to Identify and demonstrate / describe the use of the following in order to optimise the boat / rig for a particular set of conditions:

Sail telltales
Jib sheeting angles
Halyard tension
Outhaul
Cunningham / downhaul
Kicker or vang
Main sheet traveller / hawse
Rig the sailing boats used.
De-rig, secure and care for hull & equipment
Tack effectively in all wind conditions.
Perform a basic roll tack in light winds.
Gybe effectively in all wind conditions.
Demonstrate all of the skills covered in the “Sailing Manoeuvres” section of the Basic Skills course” in windier conditions.
Describe the principles of sailing without a rudder and sail a beam reach without a rudder.
Sail backwards for short distances.
Be constantly aware of and apply the “5 Essentials”
Weather
Coastal Knowledge

Full course outline

Previous knowledge or experience

Participants should have completed the Irish Sailing Basic Sailing course. If you have not been regularly practicing these skills you will need to do so prior to this course at least 10 hrs as helm

Equipment

Buoyancy aids are provided by GBSC. Wetsuits are available but if sailors have their own wetsuits and boots, that is preferable for their comfort.

Duration 1 Week

Book here

Irish Sailing Improving Skills Level 3

Advance Boat Handling is an Irish Sailing approved course

The course will run from 0930 to 1700 Monday to Friday with supervised lunch break between 1300 and 1400. Sailors should bring their own lunch.

Objective

To develop advanced boat handling and tuning skills and prepare you to sail flat out in strong winds.

Previous Skills

You must have completed the Level 3 Improving Skills course and been sailing regularly. If you have not been regularly practising these skills you will need to do so prior to the course, minimum of 20 hours as helm, or extend the length of this course in order to allow time to do so.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course. However, your instructor may also choose to use a formal practical assessment of boat handling skills and a short written paper or oral interview in assessing your level of background knowledge

Course Outline

Demonstrate all of the skills covered in the “Sailing Manoeuvres” section of the Basic Skills course in strong winds.
Set up and control the boat while on a plane.
Perform an effective roll tack in all wind strengths.
Perform an effective roll gybe in all conditions
Sail effectively without a rudder
Sail a tight circular course
Demonstrate techniques for maximising speed in waves
Demonstrate optimum course to steer and steering technique on all points of sail

Full Details available here

Book here

Advance Boat Handling Level 4

Junior and Teenager Sailing Courses GBSC is an authorised Irish Sailing Training Centre

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Irish Sailing Start Sailing Level 1

Junior and Teenager Sailing Courses
GBSC is an authorised Irish Sailing Training Centre