sylwia
Had great experience, Max was knowledgeable and very helpful. All went smoothly and loved every bit of it !
Spend a week developing sailing skills while staying on-site in Poole Harbour. This residential course is designed for beginners aged 8–16, providing time to practise RYA Stage 1 & 2 skills, build confidence on the water, and enjoy a full programme of social and evening activities. Staying for four nights allows young sailors to fully immerse themselves in a safe, structured, and friendly environment.
Early sessions cover Stage 1 skills, introducing safe launching, steering, sail handling, and basic ropework. Children practise skills repeatedly in calm conditions to build competence and confidence, with individual guidance from instructors.
Midweek sessions focus on Stage 2, including sailing in all directions, combining skills, and developing independent control. Exercises are adapted to each child’s ability, ensuring progression is achievable while keeping sessions fun and engaging.
Evenings are filled with activities such as beach games, movie nights, team challenges, and BBQs. These sessions encourage social interaction, teamwork, and a sense of independence, giving children a balanced and enjoyable experience on and off the water.
Children stay in en-suite bunk rooms at the on-site lodge, grouped by age and separated by sex. Rooms have comfortable beds and secure facilities, with staff supervision throughout the week to ensure safety and well-being.
Full-board catering provides three freshly prepared meals per day, with options to accommodate dietary requirements when noted at booking. Communal spaces and safe outdoor areas allow children to relax, socialise, and participate in evening activities, giving a complete residential experience.
Sailing takes place in Poole Harbour, offering sheltered waters ideal for beginners while still providing tidal variety to practise real sailing scenarios. Conditions are carefully monitored to maximise skill development in a safe environment.
Onshore facilities include classrooms and briefing spaces, secure areas for meals and recreation, and direct access to the water. Being on-site eliminates travel constraints, allowing full immersion in both sailing and social activities.
No previous sailing experience is required. Children should be confident in a group setting and ready to try new activities. Instructors adapt sessions to the ability of each child, ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment.
Children should be able to manage personal belongings and follow safety instructions independently. Anyone unsure about suitability is encouraged to contact the centre prior to booking.
Instructors are RYA-qualified with extensive experience teaching children. Small on-water groups allow personalised guidance, helping children develop skills safely while gaining confidence on the water.
The residential programme combines sailing, evening activities, and full-board accommodation to create a supportive and enjoyable week. Children leave with improved sailing skills, a sense of achievement, and new friendships.
This course is aimed at beginners aged 8–16, including children with no prior sailing experience. It’s designed to build confidence on the water while offering a supportive environment where skills can develop at a comfortable pace.
Children who have previously completed Stage 1 can progress to Stage 2 if they demonstrate readiness. Instructors continually assess skills to ensure each child is placed on the stage that matches their ability, allowing safe and achievable progression.
Stage 1 focuses on launching, steering, sail handling, and basic ropework. Stage 2 expands these skills to include sailing in all directions, combining manoeuvres, and more independent boat handling.
Beyond technical skills, children develop confidence, teamwork, and decision-making. Repetition and structured practice ensure they gain mastery in fundamental skills before progressing to more advanced techniques.
Days start with briefings and safety checks before heading out on the water. Morning sessions focus on Stage 1 or 2 skills depending on the child’s level, with breaks and time for feedback from instructors.
Afternoon sessions build on morning skills, introducing small challenges and exercises to practise tacking, gybing, and steering in different conditions. Days finish with shore-based reflections or games to consolidate learning.
Children are closely supervised at all times by RYA-qualified instructors and trained staff. On-water groups are small, allowing instructors to give personalised feedback while maintaining safety.
Onshore, staff monitor meals, activities, and accommodation, ensuring children are safe, well-fed, and comfortable. Supervisors are trained to respond quickly to any issues, providing reassurance to parents and children.
Children stay in en-suite bunk rooms grouped by age and separated by sex. Beds are comfortable with clean bedding provided, and staff supervision ensures children feel secure and supported.
Communal areas allow children to relax, socialise, and take part in evening activities. Access to the harbour and onshore facilities is direct, making transitions between sailing sessions and downtime seamless.
Full-board meals are prepared on-site daily, providing nutritious and balanced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dietary requirements can be catered for if informed at booking.
Meal times also offer opportunities for social interaction and building routines, reinforcing the residential experience. Children are encouraged to eat healthily and stay hydrated throughout active days.
Children should bring waterproof clothing, suitable footwear, a hat, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. Personal wetsuits, gloves, or other kit may improve comfort but are optional.
Buoyancy aids and some waterproof jackets and trousers are provided if needed. Children are encouraged to label belongings and pack clothing suitable for active days on and off the water.
Staying on-site allows children to fully immerse themselves in sailing and activities without time pressures. They gain repeated on-water practice, social interaction, and independence away from home.
Evening activities and full-board accommodation extend the experience beyond sailing, helping children build confidence, make friends, and develop life skills in a safe, structured, and enjoyable environment.
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.
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!
9am was time yet didn't start till 9.30. Got no information as what to bring etc. Instructors courteous and helpful. Possibly needed to go thro all forms of sailing as only here for 1 day. Disappointed we didn't. Coming alongside, picking up mooring, would have been helpful. It is a…
Good trainer, learn more than I expected
Operated by Rockley Watersports, a partner of adventuro.
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