Age Groups
The success of our programme is rooted in the dynamic of dividing children into groups of their own age bracket and secondly, within these groups, children are divided according to their sailing experience. Each age group will have a beginner, intermediate and advanced section so all experience levels are catered for, and every child will be challenged within their level of ability. Children are taught in a pressure-free, relaxed environment.
4 to 6 Years Group - The Sea Explorers!
We are delighted to announce our 4 to 6 Years age group for 2011! This course is offered during the summer months and will operate each day Monday to Friday from 9am-12.30pm. Activities for this multi activity fun week include: Arts & Crafts, Nature Walks, Trips to see and feed Dun Laoghaire's resident family of seals, Powerboat Trips, & Teddy Bear Picnics at Seapoint Beach. Cost €79 per child per week.
7 to 10 Years
Our 7 – 10 Years group sail in the Coal Harbour, along the West Pier. This area provides a sheltered and hospitable training ground for our young sailors. The group trains on the ‘Oppie’ dinghy, a plastic hulled boat designed especially for this age group. In addition to learning the ropes of sailing, our 7 – 10 Years syllabus includes trips to feed Dun Laoghaire Harbour’s resident family of seals, Teddy Bear Picnics at Seapoint Beach and Paddling Races!
11 to 14 Years
Run from our base at Seapoint Beach, the shallow water and sheltered area make for plain sailing! Sailors in this group will learn aboard Topper and Pico dinghies as they make their way through the Irish Sailing Association & Royal Yachting Association syllabus! An introduction to racing, paddling, swimming, kayaking and classroom theory are also central elements of the programme, as we provide our novices with an educational, fun and above all else safe experience on the waters of Dublin Bay!
15+ Years
Based in the Training Area of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, the 15+ Group concentrate on sailing in Topper, Pico, RS Feva and Laser 2 dinghies in addition to learning how to operate powerboats. Day Trips to Dalkey, Sandycove and Blackrock aboard our fleet of Squib Yachts are a regular feature of our schedule, as we increase the confidence and competence of our youngsters afloat! The child’s Personal Development skills will grow as we increasingly rely on their input (e.g. gathering weather and tidal information) as they make their way through the syllabus! Many of our students in this group will be selected to work as Assistant Instructors as they progress.
• Please note that sailing areas and activities are weather dependent and consequently may be subject to change.