RYA Start Racing

Please note that the club have updated their policies, including parental supervision - see https://ndyc.org/club/policies. Please make sure you and your young sailor have read the policies before the course, filled in the Parental Consent (if 14 - 17yrs), and uploaded it to the qualifications section of your young sailor's NDYC account.

Please make sure you have filled in contact details etc for your young sailor, and uploaded any RYA certificates to their qualifications section.

Summary details

£tbc plus membership

A course for new sailors, wishing to start racing. Build your confidence and general racing knowledge by learning the skills needed to enter and compete in a race.

25 - 27th May 

Pre-requisites: Cadet Stage 4 or Adult Level 3

All advanced module training courses are RYA Approved and run over 3 days and is available to members only.

Instructors: 

Start Times:

May Start Racing Course
Day	Date	Instructor	Arrive	Rig/Change	Launch	HW	Recover	Theory	Depart
Monday	25th
Tuesday	26th
Wednesday	27th

What is the course?

All the skills required to start club racing, including basic start sequences and timing; improved tacking and gybing, using the 5 essentials to best effect and having a basic understanding of the racing rules.  Much of the work afloat will be done without an instructor on board. The emphasis is on increasing the self-reliance and decision making of the sailor.

What should I bring?

In essence you will need, clothes for the shore, clothes for sailing, your logbook and a way to make notes etc. It is always colder on the water than on land and you may be wet for many hours so make sure you have enough. A full kit list is available here:

Please bring the following items to your course. 

• Lunch, water and snacks.  Light refreshments will be available during bar hours. Water and snacks may be taken afloat with you or in the coach boat.  
• Pen and paper. 
• Your logbook if you have one. 
• Buoyancy Aid if you have one. 
• Hat (cap or winter warm) 
• Sunscreen 
• Towel 
• Dry change of clothes 
• Old sneakers or water shoes.  Shoes must be closed toe and heel.  Flip flops are not allowed! 
• Wetsuit or warm clothes and full waterproofs (you will get wet). 
• Wind breaker or waterproof jacket 
• Clothes appropriate for the weather of the day. It is much colder on the water so please dress over-warm, we can always put a layer in the coach boat. 

Where do I need to be?

Please meet at the club in the training room (big blue double doors to the left of the main entrance).

Last updated 6:04pm on 30 November 2025