Pirates and Privateers
Ahoy to all the Pirates and Privateers! We look forward to seeing you all this season.
These sessions are open to all young people aged 5-12 years with an NDYC Full Family Membership or Youth Membership.
Pirates (Ages 5-12 years)
Designed for young beginners aged 5-12 years with no sailing experience and who are happy being in the sea.
This session introduces the basics of sailing. Beginners will build water confidence while learning essential boat control skills and how to navigate a simple course.
Privateers
Designed for young sailors aged 5-12 years who have achieved at least RYA Stage 1 or above, or have been approved by a senior instructor as having equivalent levels of competence.
The focus is on practicing and improving boat handling skills while building confidence on the water. Sessions will include a mix of practical sailing exercises and challenges to develop technique, teamwork and independence, encouraging progression while ensuring plenty of time on the water.
Ideal for those looking to refine their skills in a fun and supportive environment.
For those young sailors with RYA Stage 3 or above, please see Youth Squad. https://ndyc.org/sailing/youth-squad
2026 SESSIONS
This years sessions are (mainly) on Sundays and are scheduled based on high tide (we are currently updating the calendar - more dates will be added shortly). Pirates typically starts around 2 and a half hours before high tide. Privateers starts around 1 hour before high tide. Sessions on the water typically last between 45 minutes to 1 hour, but allow 2 hours for the whole session.
Please see the timetable below for each session. Timings are subject to change and will be confirmed nearer the time.
| Date | Day | Pirates Start | Privateers Start | Session End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Feb 2026 | Sunday | 08:00 | 09:00 | 11:45 |
| 01 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 14:15 | 15:45 | 17:45 |
| 29 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 14:15 | 15:45 | 17:45 |
| 10 May 2026 | Sunday | 09:45 | 11:15 | 12:45 |
| 24 May 2026 | Sunday | 10:45 | 12:15 | 15:30 |
| 07 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 08:30 | 10:00 | 12:00 |
| 21 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 09:00 | 10:30 | 12:30 |
| 12 Jul 2026 | Sunday | 14:30 | 16:00 | 18:00 |
| 26 Jul 2026 | Sunday | 14:30 | 16:00 | 18:00 |
| 20 Sep 2026 | Sunday | 10:15 | 11:45 | 13:15 |
| 18 Oct 2026 | Sunday | 08:15 | 09:45 | 11:15 |
| 01 Nov 2026 | Sunday | 07:30 | 09:00 | 11:00 |
| 07 Nov 2026 | Saturday | 13:45 | 15:15 | 16:45 |
| 22 Nov 2026 | Sunday | 13:30 | 15:00 | 17:00 |
Please make sure that you have joined the Pirates and Privateers WhatsApp group for any updates or last minute information - email youth@ndyc.org to be added.
All sessions are weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are unsafe. We will notify you (on the Young Pirates WhatsApp group) as soon as possible if there are any changes.
Please note: A parent, guardian or nominated responsible adult must remain on-site for the duration of the session and take responsibility for their child while they are on the premises.
ALL GROUPS, please arrive changed into your wetsuits and meet at the top of the slipway (next to the club sail store), in time for your session.
Pirates:
- Sign in upon arrival
- Rig at the start of each session
Privateers:
- Sign in upon arrival, ready to get on the water
- De-rig after each session
HOW TO BOOK
There is no cost to book either of these sessions. However, please ensure that your child has an NDYC account, or is added under your NDYC account.
To book a session:
- Please log-in to your NDYC account and click on the Calendar section.
- Select the date and group (Pirates or Privateers) to book.
Please note: Each session will be open for booking a couple of weeks beforehand.
Booking must be made under your childs name and an emergency contact provided.
LIMITED PLACES AND CANCELLATIONS
Places are currently limited. We will strive to ensure that as many Pirates and Privateers as possible have the opportunity to get on the water this season.
If you are no longer able to attend a booked session, please advise us as soon as possible (at least 2 days before the session) by email at youth@ndyc.org or through the Pirates and Privateers WhatsApp group chat so that your place can be reallocated to those who are on the Waiting List.
WAITING LIST
To keep sessions fun and engaging for everyone, we have a limit of 18 for Pirates sessions and 9 for Privateers.
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 person 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
- Sailing gloves are advised - particularly when it is cold
- 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 session. 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 Young Pirates session, please do sign up by booking a Parent Volunteer ticket for that particular session. This is important as it means that we know who is able to make it, and so that we have the relevant emergency contact information etc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see the important policies below related to NDYC Youth Sailing Activities.
Parental Consent form (required for Young Pirates members aged 14+), please complete and upload the completed form on their Qualification section on their NDYC account.
https://ndyc.org/club/policies
Last updated 3:54pm on 28 March 2026