Race Coaching
Beginners Race Series
One 30 minute race starting at 13:30 following each Adult Saturday Club day. These races are aimed at encouraging more members to take up racing. They follow on from Adult Saturday Club so that instructors may buddy up with those wanting to race, series winning helms are not permitted to helm in this series. For those sailing single handers, on the water coaching is permitted.
Have A Go Racing Sessions - 18 May, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 30 August & 7 September 2025
Following the success of our ‘Have A Go Racing’ sessions in 2024, we are repeating these in 2025. These are not part of a formal race series. The sessions are intended to provide ‘relaxed and friendly’ racing so that everyone should feel comfortable and enjoy joining in. We would encourage parents to have a go if their children are participating. There will be a race coach/instructor to provide support on the water and to answer your questions before and after the session. There will be a briefing, covering some basic rules, just enough to ensure you know who has right of way, and giving some guidance on the course. If more experienced sailors wish to join in then they should help promote the ‘relaxed and friendly’ ethos, they will be encouraged to be helpful and even offer to crew. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a crew, we will try and pair you up on the day. The format is flexible, but will aim to include three races of about 20 minutes (a couple of laps per race) or two races of 30 minutes. The first race will start at 14:30 and it is intended that you should be off the water by 16:00. Club boats will be available for those who have achieved Level 2 or Stage 2 or an equivalent standard. You should aim to sail a boat that you have learnt how to rig and sail, most likely at a Saturday Club. It is likely that we will ask you to book these sessions so that we are aware of which boats will be required and matching up helms and crews, more details nearer the time.
RYA Start Racing Courses
see RYA Sailing Courses for Adults and RYA Sailing Courses for Youths
Race Officer Training - Dates 18 May, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 30 August & 7 September 2025
These half day Race Officer training sessions are run alongside our Have A Go Racing sessions, so there is no pressure. Being a RO at the lake is not difficult, if you can operate a stop watch and read sail numbers you can be RO. There are always people around who will advise on setting the course. You are only responsible for starting and finishing the race, you are not there to judge racers on the course. If you race you should be prepared to volunteer as a Race Officer. It is a great way to meet other members and get a close up view of dinghy racing. Please Contact our Duties Manager (see contacts page) if you would like to attend.
Racing Rules - Date: 5th July 2025 (am)
A morning session discussing the Racing Rules of Sailing, ideal for those wishing to advance their racing knowledge. This session is followed by an afternoon of Rapid Races.
Rapid Races - Date: 5th July 2025 (pm)
This year we have made provision in our programme for an afternoon of rapid races. This is intended for anyone who wants to have a bit of fun practicing their race techniques. Races will be at most two short laps and we will cram as many in as possible. This session follows a morning session on the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Youth Race Training
Under the guidance of the RYA we have structured our Youth Race Training for young sailors and we are proud to be a RYA British Youth Sailing recognised club.
19th Jan & 15th Feb 2025 - Winter race coaching sessions for Toppers (possibly Laser) and RS Fevas sailors.
9th Mar 2025 - Topper Coaching
9th Mar 2025 - Double Handed Team Racing Coaching
Youths are encouraged to join in Have A Go Racing and regular club races.
