sylwia
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
A week-long residential for youth sailors ready to progress beyond Improver skills. This Intermediate programme focuses on RYA Seamanship Skills and introduces Start Racing, combining advanced boat handling with teamwork, problem-solving, and an introduction to racing tactics. Staying on-site for four nights allows older children to fully engage in on-water sessions, evening activities, and social experiences with peers.
Early in the week, sessions focus on seamanship skills such as boat control in challenging conditions, reefing sails, anchoring safely, and managing situations like steering without a rudder. Children work in small crews to practise manoeuvres repeatedly, developing confidence, coordination, and effective communication on the water.
Later in the week, Start Racing skills are introduced. Children learn basic race rules, mark rounding, starts, and tactical thinking, using practical exercises on the water rather than classroom-heavy theory. Emphasis is placed on safe competition, teamwork, and understanding boat behaviour in different scenarios, preparing participants for future racing experiences.
Evenings offer a variety of social activities, including beach games, crabbing, movie nights, team challenges, and beach BBQs. These sessions encourage friendships, independence, and a balanced week off the water, complementing the intensive on-water skills training.
Children stay in en-suite bunk rooms at the on-site lodge, grouped by age and separated by sex. Comfortable beds and attentive supervision ensure a safe and supportive environment for the week.
Full-board catering provides three freshly prepared meals each day, with options for dietary requirements noted at booking. Communal spaces and outdoor areas allow participants to relax, socialise, and take part in evening entertainment safely.
Poole Harbour provides sheltered waters ideal for Intermediate sailing exercises while still offering tidal variety for real-world seamanship practice. Conditions are adapted daily to allow safe skill development and challenge appropriate to ability.
Onshore facilities include briefing rooms, secure recreational areas, and direct access to the water. Staying on-site allows children to maximise time on the water and participate fully in both sailing sessions and evening activities.
Participants should have completed RYA Stage 4 or hold equivalent sailing experience. They should be confident crewing boats, performing basic manoeuvres independently, and working as part of a team.
While adults are not included on this course, children aged 10–16 benefit most from this intermediate-level programme. Anyone unsure of suitability is encouraged to contact the centre before booking.
RYA-qualified instructors provide small-group coaching, enabling personalised feedback and attention to help young sailors refine skills and understand boat handling in varied conditions. Teaching focuses on teamwork, practical problem-solving, and confidence.
The residential format combines on-water skill development with full-board accommodation and evening activities. Participants gain independence, social skills, and sailing competence while enjoying a safe, structured, and memorable week by the harbour.
This course is for youth sailors aged 10–16 who have completed RYA Stage 4 or have equivalent experience. It’s ideal for children looking to refine advanced boat handling and start racing skills in a safe residential setting.
Instructors monitor skill levels and adapt activities to challenge participants without causing frustration. The course balances on-water skills with social and team-building activities.
Seamanship sessions cover advanced boat handling, reefing, anchoring, managing unusual situations, and small-crew teamwork. Start Racing sessions introduce tactical thinking, mark rounding, race starts, and understanding rules in a practical context.
These skills develop problem-solving, confidence, and coordination on the water. Children practise repeatedly to gain competence and understand the principles behind each manoeuvre.
Mornings begin with briefings and preparation for on-water sessions. Children rotate through exercises in small crews to practise seamanship techniques and team coordination.
Afternoons focus on applying racing principles and tactical exercises, emphasising teamwork, decision-making, and adapting to conditions. Days finish with reflection, feedback, and preparation for evening activities.
RYA-qualified instructors lead small groups on the water, providing guidance and feedback while maintaining safety. Onshore, trained staff monitor accommodation, meals, and evening activities.
Safety protocols are strictly observed, and staff respond quickly to any issues. Supervision ensures a safe, enjoyable, and structured environment for participants.
Children stay in en-suite bunk rooms grouped by age and separated by sex. Comfortable bedding and secure supervision help them feel safe while enjoying independence.
Communal areas allow participants to relax, socialise, and take part in evening programmes. Access to the water is direct from the lodge, making transitions seamless.
Full-board catering provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, freshly prepared on-site. Dietary needs can be accommodated if advised at booking.
Meals fuel children for active on-water sessions and social activities, while shared mealtimes foster interaction and friendship.
Instructors adapt exercises to suit wind, tide, and weather conditions. On unsuitable days, sessions may focus on theory, short-course sailing, or teamwork exercises onshore.
Flexibility ensures participants continue developing skills safely while enjoying varied activities that match conditions and ability.
Instructors monitor progress and may challenge participants with more advanced exercises as skills improve. This allows children to extend their learning safely during the week.
Progression reinforces confidence, competence, and preparation for future RYA courses or racing programmes.
Waterproof clothing, suitable footwear, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are essential. Wetsuits or gloves are optional but recommended for comfort.
Buoyancy aids and some waterproof jackets and trousers are supplied. Labelling personal items helps prevent mix-ups during the week.
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
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Rockley Watersports, a partner of adventuro.
East Anglia, United Kingdom
From £230
