Our Onboard program is changing for 2026!!
You do not need to hire a club boat, if you have your own.
Sessions will be longer.
You can now book onto one of three groups:
The sessions will be progressive, working towards both stage 1 and stage 2 of the youth sailing scheme. This is a good way to learn to sail over the course of the sailing season and support your RYA courses. It is recommended that you do as many of the sessions as possible to get the maximum impact from them.
If you are looking for a taster session, you can book a Onboard LEARN session.
These sessions will be progressive, improving core sailing skills. They will be for children who have achieved their stage 2.
They will have a focus around racing as we get closer to cadet week.
These sessions are for those who have achieved their stage 4.
They will focus around the advanced modules of seamanship skills, spinnaker sailing and racing.
From these sessions, if you are a club member we encourage you to join in, in our John Apthorp supported race series on Sundays- so you can get a full weekend of sailing in.
They will have a focus around racing as we get closer to cadet week.
Each group will have a set learning plan for each session, which you can view on the corresponding group page, below.
OnBoard has been shown to develop six character attributes – these are:
Teamwork.
Determination.
Communication.
Independence.
Confidence.
Creativity.
The RYA OnBoard programme offers young people the opportunity to try out sailing or improve their skills, through their local club or centre in a safe, structured and fun environment.
Open to anyone aged 8-18, the programme enables those taking part to experience all the excitement and relaxation that being on the water offers, whilst at the same time teaching them a wide range of invaluable life skills, from problem solving to leadership and teamwork.
These sessions run on Saturdays throughout the sailing season from April until October. You can drop in and out of these sessions as you choose.
Running alongside these sessions are Adult sail clinics, so parents and guardians can enjoy the water at the same time.
https://www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/get-onboard-childrens-sailing
What you will need:
You are taking part in a watersport and you are likely to get wet, so always remember a change of clothes and a towel.Clothing for training – wetsuits are ideal, but if not, lightweight stuff that dries easily, with a couple of layers if it is cold, plus waterproofs.
Trainers or dinghy boots for the feet
Hats- always a wooly hat! remember it will always feel colder on the water. AND a wide brimmed hat if sunny
Sun bloc - helps prevent windburn and sunburn
Packed lunch + water or other drink
Medication- if required- clearly labelled with instructions and name. please make instructor aware
Optional extras: knee pads, sailing gloves
Buoyancy aids will be provided by the club.
Please arrive at the clubhouse by the start time, changed and ready for training. Students will be met by an instructor at the designated meet location for each session. LEARN- blue benches in front of the club, IMPROVE- main slipway outside the changing rooms, ADVANCE-black sail locker building
If you have any questions, please see our FAQ or contact heidi@wfyc.co.uk
Onboard LEARN
Learn to Sail through onboard sessions.
Book this option if you would like a taster sailing session.
Onboard IMPROVE
RYA stage 2+
Onboard ADVANCE
RYA stage 4+
See photos and read about some of our Onboard sessions below
