sylwia
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
Confident young sailors aged 10–16 can take their skills to the next level with this advanced residential week. Covering RYA Performance Sailing and Spinnakers, the programme focuses on boat trim, sail handling, and racing techniques in a friendly, supportive environment. Staying on-site for four nights lets everyone get fully involved in sailing sessions, evening activities, and making new friends.
Qualification: RYA Performance Sailing & Spinnakers
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights (Monday to Friday)
Ages: 10–16
Group size: 1–6 per boat
Experience level: Advanced
High-performance sail trim and boat control
Spinnaker rigging, hoisting, and handling
Teamwork and communication in crewed boats
Advanced manoeuvres and boat handling
Practical racing rules, tactics, and mark rounding
The week begins with sessions dedicated to refining advanced boat handling. Young sailors focus on sail trim, balancing crews, and manoeuvring efficiently in both single-handed and crewed scenarios. Communication and teamwork are emphasised throughout, allowing each child to feel confident while operating in more challenging conditions. Instructors give tailored guidance, helping children understand how adjustments in weight, sail tension, and technique affect boat performance.
Midweek introduces spinnaker sailing, which becomes a key part of each day. Sailors practise hoisting, trimming, and manoeuvring with spinnakers in real sailing conditions. Instructors support learning with one-on-one advice, enabling each sailor to practise skills at their own pace. Children gain confidence in coordinating crew movements and applying safety techniques while handling larger sails.
Later sessions focus on racing tactics and performance strategies. Sailors learn how to navigate race courses, manage starts, and round marks efficiently. Onshore debriefs allow children to review their performance and discuss strategy before returning to the water. This cycle of practice, feedback, and application helps reinforce skills and builds both competence and confidence.
Evenings offer a mix of fun and social activities, including beach games, crabbing, movie nights, and BBQs. These activities give children time to relax, bond with new friends, and enjoy a full residential experience that balances on-water intensity with off-water enjoyment.
Children stay in en-suite bunk rooms grouped by age and separated by sex. Each room provides a safe, secure, and comfortable space for sleeping, storing belongings, and socialising. Supervision is continuous, ensuring a supportive environment for all.
Full-board meals are freshly prepared on-site, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be catered for if notified in advance. Communal spaces and the lodge’s proximity to the water allow children to move easily between meals, sessions, and evening activities, keeping the week seamless and engaging.
Poole Harbour provides sheltered tidal waters ideal for advanced sailing and spinnaker practice. The harbour’s combination of calm areas and more challenging tidal zones allows young sailors to practise manoeuvres safely while encountering a variety of realistic conditions.
Onshore spaces include briefing areas, social zones, and secure access points to the water. Living on-site maximises sailing time while giving children the opportunity to take part in evening activities, relax with peers, and fully engage with the week’s programme.
Children should already have experience equivalent to RYA Stage 4 or an Intermediate course. Skills should include confident boat handling, teamwork, tacking, gybing, and familiarity with crewed boat operation.
The week is aimed at youth aged 10–16 who are ready for intensive skill development in performance sailing. Anyone unsure about suitability should contact the centre before booking to discuss experience and confidence levels.
Sessions are led by RYA-qualified instructors who focus on improving confidence, teamwork, and technique. Small group sizes allow tailored guidance and one-on-one feedback, helping each child develop at a pace that suits them.
The residential format adds another layer to the experience. Four nights on-site allow children to make friends, engage fully in evening activities, and immerse themselves in sailing without the pressures of commuting. This combination of intensive on-water coaching and social interaction makes the week both challenging and enjoyable.
This course is designed for confident youth sailors aged 10–16 who have previous experience in intermediate or advanced sailing. Children should be comfortable on crewed boats and ready for more challenging skills.
Instructors adapt exercises to suit different levels, ensuring every child is appropriately challenged while enjoying the sessions safely.
Sailors develop advanced boat handling, performance sailing, and spinnaker skills. Racing tactics, mark rounding, and effective teamwork are also a key focus.
Sessions balance practical sailing with feedback and reflection, so children gain confidence applying skills under a variety of conditions.
Morning sessions are usually on-water drills for boat handling, sail trim, and coordination in crewed boats. Afternoons introduce spinnaker practice and racing exercises.
Evenings are filled with games, beach activities, and movie nights to relax and socialise after a full day on the water.
Small groups on the water are led by RYA-qualified instructors, with shore-based supervision for accommodation, meals, and evening activities.
Safety procedures are followed at all times, with clear guidance on equipment use and emergency protocols to keep children safe while challenging their skills.
Children stay in en-suite bunk rooms grouped by age and separated by sex. The rooms are secure, supervised, and comfortable for sleeping and storing belongings.
Communal areas provide space to socialise and prepare for evening activities, while the lodge’s close proximity to the water makes transitions easy.
Three meals are provided daily, freshly prepared on-site by the catering team. Dietary requirements are accommodated when notified at booking.
Meals also offer time for socialising and relaxing between sessions, ensuring children are fuelled and ready for both sailing and evening activities.
Activities are adjusted depending on wind, tide, and weather. Onshore exercises or sheltered sailing ensures the week remains productive and safe.
Instructors balance challenge with fun, using experience to make sure learning continues regardless of conditions.
Waterproof clothing, sailing shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle are essential. Optional items include gloves, hats, and wetsuits.
Buoyancy aids are provided. Personal items should be labelled to avoid mix-ups.
Living on-site allows children to fully immerse themselves in sailing and social activities. Full-board meals, evening entertainment, and four nights away from home combine to create a rewarding and enjoyable week.
The programme provides a perfect balance of skill development, teamwork, confidence-building, and fun, making it ideal for older youth looking to step up their sailing.
About the centre
Poole, Dorset
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
An excellent practical and well explained course - Fin is very knowledgeable and experienced and this was evidenced through both days.
Had a fantastic time. Our instructor Steve was brilliant. We learnt so much. Would absolutely recommend.
it was a very exciting experience in a nice group of people☺️ I recommend it to everyone!
Good trainer, learn more than I expected
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