Findhorn Watersports
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Junior RYA Stages

Junior RYA Stages

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme - Stages 1 to 4

  • 7 hours 15 mins
  • Ages 8-16
  • Royal Findhorn Yacht Club

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme courses for young sailors in the sheltered waters of Findhorn Bay. Students work towards a recognised RYA Stage certificate through practical on-the-water sessions and short briefings ashore, in small groups with a maximum of six students per instructor.

Courses run at four levels:

  • Stage 1 - for complete beginners. Boat parts and terminology, rigging and preparing a boat, wind awareness, launching and recovery with assistance, steering and controlling boat speed, and capsize drills in controlled conditions
  • Stage 2 - building independence. Rigging and de-rigging with minimal assistance, sailing efficiently in all directions, responding to wind changes, and a basic understanding of the rules
  • Stage 3 - sailing unaided. Rigging and launching without help, improved tacking and gybing, ropework and knots, basic meteorology, racing rules and man overboard recovery
  • Stage 4 - advanced skills. Advanced boat handling, crewing double-handed dinghies, sailing with spinnakers, trapezing, and racing tactics

We run the scheme in several formats across the season - two full days, five half-day sessions across a week (mornings or afternoons), and five consecutive full days covering two Stages. Each scheduled course below shows its Stage, format and dates, so choose the one that matches your child's experience and the time you have available.

What's included
  • Tuition from qualified, experienced RYA instructors
  • All boats, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and safety equipment (footwear is not provided)
  • RYA logbook and certificate on successful completion
  • Hot chocolate or hot squash at the break
  • Full use of the Findhorn Watersports facilities during the course
What to bring
  • Packed lunch and plenty of snacks for full days (no catering on site)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Footwear that can get wet (old trainers, water shoes or dinghy boots) - no flip-flops or open sandals
  • Swimwear to wear under a wetsuit
  • Warm layers and a waterproof jacket - it can be chilly in the wind even in high summer
  • Towel and a change of clothes
  • Sun protection - hat and sunscreen
Additional details

  • 2 full days - £176 per participant

  • 5 half days across a week - £245 per participant

  • 5 consecutive full days, covering two Stages - £440 per participant

  • Full days run 09:15 to 16:30. Half days run 09:15 to 13:15 (mornings) or 14:00 to 18:00 (afternoons)

  • Ages: from 8. Stages 1 and 2 are for ages 8 to 14; Stages 3 and 4 run to age 16

  • Group size: maximum 6 students per instructor

  • Stage 2 requires an RYA Stage 1 certificate or equivalent experience

  • Stage 3 requires an RYA Stage 2 certificate or equivalent experience

  • Stage 4 requires an RYA Stage 3 certificate or equivalent experience

  • Certificates are awarded on continuous assessment throughout the course

  • Courses run in a range of weather. If conditions are unsafe to sail we will run beach activities instead

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time

Important information
  • Participants must be water confident
  • Minimum age 8
  • Upper age limit varies by Stage - see Details

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See all Kids & Teens

We had a trip on the water taxi yesterday, it’s great! Took us across to a secluded part of Culbin beach where we able to see seals. Sam who took us over was lovely, helpful and really knowledgeable. Jane, the owner is fab, very welcoming and would do anything to help. We’ll definitely be back on the water taxi again!

Jacqueline Main

I completed my RYA Dinghy level 3 at Findhorn Watersports. Friendly and accommodating people, beautiful surroundings and expert tuition. Looking forward to a return visit later this year.

Megan Campbell

Our daughter was buzzing after her time at Findhorn Watersports! She really built on her sailing but most importantly, had lots of fun!

Collach Loon

Our P5-7 pupils benefited from 6 weeks of weekly sailing during the summer term. Despite poor weather for the first few sessions, the team made the experience enjoyable and engaging for the pupils. All our pupils thoroughly enjoyed their Tuesdays in Findhorn, learned new knowledge and skills, built their resilience and learned how to work together to sail! On the final sailing day we were blessed with beautiful sunshine and just enough wind to show off our newly acquired skills.

Dallas Primary

Had a great sail after hiring two boats for the family. Really friendly staff, good kit, and a beautiful location for a trip on the water.

James Hewitt