Dinghy Sailing

With the Solent on our doorstep, immediate access to a superb teaching environment, a large fleet of dinghies to choose from and a team of experienced RYA Coaches and Instructors to guide you, Calshot can provide a dinghy sailing experience which is second to none. Whether you are a youngster in an Optimist for the first time or experiencing the thrill of flying a spinnaker, our emphasis will be on practical hands-on experience in a safe learning environment.

So, if you are a beginner or an instructor, Calshot is without doubt the sailing centre for you...

Beginners - Adults
Improvers - Adults
Adult "Club" Sailing nights
Adult Taster Days
Family Dinghy Sailing
Instructors
Young People
Watersports club for 10-16 year olds
Our Boats

Beginner Sailing

Choose from: Singlehanded Sailing or Crewed Sailing

Singlehanded Sailing (Start Sailing - RYA Level One)

Sailing solo means you spend a lot of time helming, consequently progress can be considerable. Whilst a little wetter and more physically demanding than sailing crewed boats, singlehanders do offer the perfect weekend for those with a “go for it” attitude. Using RS Feva’s or Laser Picos this course offers a perfect introduction to sailing.

Level One singlehanded dinghy courses operate with student/instructor ratios of 6:1.

Adults only
£195 Non-residential includes lunches
£210 Residential includes lunches, one night B&B and evening meal on 1st day
Extra B&B £23 per night (subject to availability)
Times:0900-1730 1st day (Sat)
0900-1700 2nd day (Sun)

Crewed Sailing (Start Sailing - RYA Level One)

Using Wayfarer dinghies, our instructors will take you through all the basics of sailing. On the first day your instructor will be in the boat with you, by the end of the weekend, weather permitting, they should be coaching you from a nearby safety boat.

Level One crewed dinghy courses operate with excellent student/instructor ratios of 3:1.

Adults only
£230 Non-residential includes lunches
£245 Residential includes lunches, one night B&B and evening meal on 1st day
Extra B&B £23 per night (subject to availability)
Times:0900-1730 1st day (Sat)
0900-1700 2nd day (Sun)

Once you have completed your Level one singlehanded course why not join us on our ‘club’ nights?

Improver Sailing

Choose from Singlehanded Improver Sailing or Crewed Improver Sailing

Singlehanded Improver Sailing (Basic skills-RYA Level Two)

The perfect follow up for those having completed a single handed or a crewed dinghy Start Sailing course. Tuition will aim to develop your sailing skills and knowledge to sail your boat more effectively and safely. Remember singlehanders can be wet and quite physically demanding! A perfect weekend for those with a ‘go for it’ attitude.

Adults only
£195 Non-residential includes lunches
£210 Residential includes lunches, one night B&B and evening meal on 1st day
Extra B&B £23 per night (subject to availability)
Times:0900-1730 1st day (Sat)
0900-1700 2nd day (Sun)

Crewed Improver Sailing(Basic skills-RYA Level Two)

An ideal follow up for those who have completed the Level One course, or for those with some previous helming experience. We aim to give you in-depth tuition in launching and recovery, coming alongside, sailing the boat effectively around a triangular course and the ability to deal with an accidental capsize. Wayfarers or one of our other double handed boats will be used on this course.

Adults only
£230 Non-residential includes lunches
£245 Residential includes lunches, one night B&B and evening meal on 1st day
Extra B&B £23 per night (subject to availability)
Times:0900-1730 1st day (Sat)
0900-1700 2nd day (Sun)

Once you have completed your Level Two why not join us on our ‘club’ nights?

Dinghy sailing ‘Club’ nights

Adults only
£24 per session, £86 for 4 Sessions or £172 for all sessions (min 9–max 11)
Time:1800–2000
What better way to continue your sailing than at our club nights. Once you have completed your Level One in singlehanders or crewed boats you can use a singlehander. For crewed dinghies or catamarans you need to have completed a level two course, in the appropriate boat. Instructors will be on hand to give ‘top tips’ and provide safety cover and every session will include a free optional coaching clinic. Bookings should be made in advance. Timings are inclusive of changing and rigging.
Please note; we will only cancel a session if the weather conditions make the risks unmanageable. e.g. Strong winds, fog etc.

New!
Adult Watersports Taster Days - Three sports in one day

£90 Non residential, including lunch
Time: 0900 - 1700
Not sure which watersport is for you? Then this is the perfect course for you. During the day you will have the chance to try Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing and Kayaking, all under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

You will discover the fun and exhilaration of dinghy sailing aboard a stable and easy to sail Laser Funboat. After a short change over, you will soon be trying your hand at windsurfing, using our light and stable beginner's equipment.

Depending on conditions, you will then have a chance to kayak either on the sea or in our fresh water canoe pool.

At the end of this action-packed day, you should know which sport is for you and be ready to book a full beginner's course.

Instructor Courses

Instructors pre-entry assessment
£80 Non residential includes lunch
(If you book on one of our Dinghy Instructor courses at the same time you will receive a 5% discount of the combined price)
Time: 0900-1530
Prior to attending a Dinghy Instructors course all candidates must pass a pre–entry sailing assessment. This one day course is for those who believe they are ready for assessment or require a little fine tuning. Assessment details are available in the RYA Dinghy Coaching Handbook and Log Book G14/03.

NB. All dates are linked to Powerboat Level Two courses taking place on the two days following these dates

RYA Dinghy Instructor

£355 Non-residential includes lunches and evening meals
£400 Residential as non-residential plus 4 nights B&B
Extra B&B available at £23 per night (subject to availability)
Times:1000 start on 1st day. Finish 1700 on last day. Full timings on request.
An intensive 5 day course run by an RYA Coach. The course will cover all aspects of the RYA syllabus including assessment by an RYA Coach/Assessor. Candidates should ensure they have all the pre-entry requirements as laid out in the RYA Dinghy Coaching Handbook and Log Book G14/03.

* Available residentially for 16/17 year olds

RYA Senior Instructor (Dinghy)

£375 Non-residential includes lunches and evening meals
£420 Residential as non-residential plus 3 nights B&B
Extra B&B available at £23 per night (subject to availability)
Times:0900 start on Monday . Finish 1700 on Thursday. Full timings on request.

An intensive four day training and assessment course for experienced RYA Instructors wanting to become fleet/sailing managers. Candidates must have the required experience and prerequisites as described in the RYA Dinghy Coaching Handbook/Logbook G14/03.
A pre–course workbook must be completed prior to the course, so early booking is recommended.

Coaching Bursaries

For Hampshire residents (including I.O.W., Portsmouth and Southampton from April 2007) sports coaching bursaries may be available for instructor/coach awards. The scheme is administered by Hampshire County Council and Sport Hampshire & IoW to whom applications should be made.
See www.sporthampshireiow.co.uk/funding_and_support for full details.

Corporate and Group Sailing or Regattas

Whether you are a company looking for a corporate day with a difference, an inland club wanting tidal experience, or an Association wanting to hold national championships, Calshot may be able to help, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.

Private Tuition and Assessments

Prices per person (max 2) and subject to availability.
We are able to offer a 33% short notice discount for private tuition bookings, Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) 0900-1730, for bookings made no more than 5 working days ahead.

See booking conditions for own boat/craft training.

NEW!
Family Dinghy sessions - Adults and accompanied children (min age 8yrs)

£45 Adults, £36 under 18's
Time: 1340 - 1700
These are a great way for the whole family to get afloat together. Using Laser Funboats/Picos, the instructor will organise the group, depending on age, conditions and previous experience. Younger children will normally sail with a parent, sibling or another youngster.

Dinghy Sailing Courses for Young People

We offer sailing courses based on the RYA Young Sailors Scheme for under 16s. Different age groups and ability levels are catered for in our programme of courses. Instruction takes place in sheltered water with safety boats always in attendance and a maximum ratio of six students to one instructor. If any stages are completed the appropriate certificate will be issued free of charge, logbooks can be purchased through our shop and all completed aspects can be signed by your instructor. Courses are fully supervised, with 24 hour supervision provided during the residential courses, which also include a day of our exciting land-based activities, such as skiing and climbing. In the event of bad weather, alternative activities will be provided on all courses.

Non Residential Courses for Young People

Oppie Sailing for 8-12 year olds

£135 includes lunches
Times: 0900-1630 each day

RYA Stage One
For beginners or those with little experience this course is an excellent introduction to the fun and excitement of dinghy sailing.

RYA Stage Two
For those having completed their Stage One. This course will develop skills and confidence further, as well as introduce new techniques and skills.

Pico Sailing for 12–16 year olds

RYA Stage One
£135 includes lunches
Times: 0900-1630 each day
A fun way to start dinghy sailing, using these versatile singlehanded boats. Our expert instructors will teach you how to rig, launch and sail these lively and exciting dinghies and soon have you skimming across the waves.

RYA Stage Two
For those who already have their Stage One, this course will develop skills and confidence further, as well as introducing new techniques and skills required to achieve the Stage Two award.

New!
Watersports club for 10-16 year olds

£85
Times:1800-2000 (Tues)

This is a great club for those that want to try a variety of watersport. Over the seven sessions you’ll have a chance to try kayaking, outrigger canoeing, dinghy sailing and windsurfing, all under the guidance of your instructor who will help you develop skills in each of the activities in a fun and enjoyable way.

Jack Maynard Bursary Fund

This fund aims to support local young people who may not otherwise be able to fully afford a course at Calshot. Contact the Centre or check our website for further details.

Residential weeks RYA Dinghy Sailing courses

10-13 and 13-16 years.
£340 Non-residential, includes lunches and evening meal
£395 Residential, as non-residential plus 5 nights B&B. These courses run from Sunday to Friday.

Stage One/Two
For those with little or no previous sailing experience this is a great introduction to the sport. All the basics will be introduced in a fun and exciting way.

19-24 July H3 09 (13-16 years)
2-7 Aug H11 09 (10-13 years)

Stage Three/Four
For those holding the Stage Two award or at that level this course will introduce more advanced sailing skills, and introduce youngster to double handed boats.

16-21 Aug H18 09 (10-16 years)

Performance sailing and Spinnaker course
This course is designed to refine techniques, develop skills and make sailing more efficient. Topics covered include upwind performance, use of tell tales, better tacking and gybing, and an introduction to spinnakers. Youngsters should hold a stage four award or be at that level before joining this course.

26-31 July H7 09 (10–16 years)

Residential Weeks including Multi Activity courses, Adventure plus and courses for 8-10 year olds

Our Boats

Calshot has a large fleet of training boats chosen carefully to provide a wide range of safe and exciting teaching opportunities.
7 RS Fevas
2 Topper Xenons
1 Laser Stratos
16 Laser Picos
3 Wayfarers
1 Topper Buzz
2 Dart 16 Catamarans
12 Oppies
8 Laser Funboats

Top

Calshot is on the shores of the Solent and offers watersports / dinghy sailing / windsurfing / canoeing / powerboating / rock climbing / track cycling /velodrome / skiing / snowboarding / archery / multi-activity holidays for children / corporate events / development / management training