Youth Squad
Welcome to Youth Squad!
The aim of Youth Squad is to enable as many young people as possible access to sailing in a safe and fun environment.
Youth Squad sessions are open to all young people aged 11-18 years with an NDYC Full Family Membership or Youth Membership.
Youth Sail
Youth Sail (YS) is for those ages 11-18 years, who hold an RYA Stage 3 or above, or have been approved by a senior instructor as having equivalent levels of competence.
The youth sail activities are aimed at providing a range of activities including sailing trips, games, etc., with tips and hints from a more experienced sailor to create more versatile sailors and to improve confidence, independence and teamworking.
Youth Race
Designed for young sailors aged 13-18 years, who want an introduction to racing.
They must hold an RYA Stage 3 or above, or have been approved by a senior instructor as having equivalent levels of competence.
They are able to compete in the club's race program and races will be organised so they can race against eachother. They will be given a brief on the race course and starting procedure for the day before being set off and will have the chance to have a debrief afterwards.
Just a reminder, any member with access to a boat can take part in the club's normal race program. You don't need to be at a youth race session. If you are an approved helm, you can also hire a club boat and join the races.
For young sailors who don't yet have their RYA Stage 3, please check out the Young Pirates page. https://ndyc.org/sailing/young...
2026 SESSIONS
This years youth sail sessions are usually on Sundays (we have programmed a couple of Saturday's as a trial) and are scheduled based on high tide. Sessions typically last around 4 hours. Please see the timetable below for each session. Timings will be confirmed nearer the time through the NDYC Youth Squad WhatsApp group.
Youth Race Sessions start times depend on racing times and who is doing the pre-race brief. The pre-race brief is likely to start around 60 minutes before Race Start time, and time should be allowed to rig and get ready before the brief.
The race start times can be found in the Club Year book or on the club calendar on the website.
| Date | Weekday | Session Start | Session End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Feb 2026 | Sunday | 07:30 | 11:00 |
| 1 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 13:30 | 17:30 |
| 29 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 13:30 | 17:30 |
| 10 May 2026 | Sunday | 09:30 | 13:30 |
| 7 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 08:00 | 12:00 |
| 21 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 08:30 | 12:30 |
| 12 Jul 2026 | Sunday | 14:00 | 18:00 |
| 12 Sep 2026 | Saturday | 16:30 | 20:00 |
| 18 Oct 2026 | Sunday | 08:00 | 12:00 |
| 7 Nov 2026 | Saturday | 13:30 | 16:30 |
| 22 Nov 2026 | Sunday | 13:00 | 16:00 |
| 6 Dec 2026 | Sunday | 13:00 | 16:00 |
All sessions are weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are unsuitable. We will notify you (through the NDYC Youth Squad WhatsApp group) as soon as possible if there are any changes.
ALL YOUTH SQUAD GROUPS, please arrive changed into your wetsuits and meet at the Training Room (big blue doors by the car park), in time for your session.
HOW TO BOOK
There is no cost to book a Youth Squad session. However, please ensure that your child has an NDYC account, with emergency contact information and qualifications.
To book a session:
Please log-in to your NDYC account and click on the Calendar section.
Select the Youth Squad date and group - Youth Sail (YS) or Youth Race (YR) - to book your young sailor onto a session.
Please note:
- Each session will be open for booking a couple of weeks beforehand.
- Booking must be made under your child's name and an emergency contact provided.
- Please make sure that you have joined the NDYC Youth Squad WhatsApp group for any updates or last minute information - email youth@ndyc.org to be added
If you have any questions, please contact youth@ndyc.org or send us a message on the NDYC Youth Squad group chat.
WAITING LIST
To keep sessions fun and engaging for everyone, we have a limit of 12 Youth Sail and 12 Youth Race. If you are no longer able to attend a booked session, please advise us as soon as possible through the NDYC Youth Squad WhatsApp group chat so that your place can be reallocated to those who are on the Waiting List.
If the session is full, you can still add your child to the Waiting List. If a space opens up due to a cancellation of booking, the space will be offered to the next young sailor on the waiting list.
We will contact you before the session if your child is on the waiting list and a space has been allocated to them.
WHAT TO BRING
You will need suitable clothes for sailing and a change of clothes for after each session. It is always colder on the water than on land, and you may be wet for many hours, so please ensure you have enough appropriate clothing.
A full kit list is available here:
- Wetsuit
- Buoyancy Aid
- Old trainers or water shoes. Shoes must be closed-toe and heel. Flip flops are not allowed.
- Windproof or waterproof jacket
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Dry change of clothes
- Water, snacks/packed lunch or tea, if appropriate. Light refreshments will be available during bar hours.
- Helmet - a helmet is required. The club can provide one subject to size availability. If you would like to ensure a perfect fit, please feel free to bring your own. Following current research and best practice bicycle helmets are no longer accepted for on the water, but the club now has new helmets available for those who dont have their own yet. Please see the club's updated policy on helmets for more information. Club Policies
MEMBER VOLUNTEERS (PARENT/CARER)
We would be really grateful for adult volunteers to lend a hand during the sessions. Your support helps keep the sessions running smoothly. Help could be anything from rigging/de-rigging, launching the dinghies or joining in on the water.
If you would like to assist with a Youth Squad session, please contact us at youth@ndyc.org or on the NDYC Youth Squad group chat.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see the important policies below related to NDYC Youth Sailing Activities.
A parent/guardian or nominated responsible adult must remain on-site during the sessions, unless the child is 14+ years and a completed Parental Consent Form (see policies page) has been uploaded to the Qualifications section of the child's NDYC account.
Please note: Parents/guardians/responsible adults remain responsible for their child while they are on club premises.
https://ndyc.org/club/policies
) 1137305:400(
Last updated 4:25pm on 22 February 2026