Young Pirates
Young Pirates Feedback form:
As we wrap up the year, wed love to get some feedback so we can make next year even better.
You can find the feedback form on the Young Pirates webpage, or use the link below.
Theres absolutely no obligation, and you can answer as many or as few questions as you like. All feedback will be read and used to help plan 2026.
Thanks for your support and for a brilliant year of Young Pirates sailing! Feedback form
Ahoy to all the Young Pirates! We look forward to seeing you all this season.
Young Pirates sessions are open to all young people aged 5-14 years with an NDYC Full Family Membership or Youth Membership.
Young Pirates - Beginners (Ages 5-10 years)
Designed for young beginners aged 5-10 years with no sailing experience and who are confident in the water. 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.
Young Pirates - Improvers (8-14 years)
Designed for young sailors aged 8-14 years who have achieved at least RYA Stage 1 or above. 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 and independence. Ideal for those looking to refine their skills in a fun and supportive environment, this session encourages progression while ensuring plenty of time on the water.
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). Session 1 (Beginners) typically starts around 2 and a half hours before high tide. Session 2 (Improvers) 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 | Beginners Start | Improvers Start | Session End | High Tide Time | Height (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jan 2026 | Sunday | 09:00 | 10:30 | 13:00 | 11:25 | 5.83 |
| 08 Feb 2026 | Sunday | 07:15 | 08:45 | 10:45 | 09:47 | 6.44 |
| 01 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 14:15 | 15:45 | 17:45 | 16:47 | 6.77 |
| 15 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 13:30 | 15:00 | 17:00 | 15:51 | 5.62 |
| 29 Mar 2026 | Sunday | 14:15 | 15:45 | 17:45 | 16:40 | 6.14 |
| 12 Apr 2026 | Sunday | 12:30 | 14:00 | 16:00 | 15:04 | 4.91 |
| 17 May 2026 | Sunday | 16:30 | 18:00 | 20:00 | 19:04 | 7.81 |
| 24 May 2026 | Sunday | 10:45 | 12:15 | 15:30 | 13:13 | 5.63 |
| 07 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 08:30 | 10:00 | 12:00 | 11:00 | 5.68 |
| 21 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 09:00 | 10:30 | 12:30 | 11:34 | 6.21 |
| 28 Jun 2026 | Sunday | 15:30 | 17:00 | 19:00 | 17:59 | 6.47 |
| 12 Jul 2026 | Sunday | 14:30 | 16:00 | 18:00 | 16:50 | 6.63 |
| 26 Jul 2026 | Sunday | 14:30 | 16:00 | 18:00 | 16:58 | 5.90 |
| 05 Sep 2026 | Saturday | 10:00 | 11:30 | 13:30 | 12:21 | 5.59 |
| 01 Nov 2026 | Sunday | 07:30 | 09:00 | 11:00 | 10:02 | 6.35 |
| 22 Nov 2026 | Sunday | 13:30 | 15:00 | 17:00 | 15:49 | 7.05 |
Please make sure that you have joined the Young Pirates 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, carer or responsible adult must remain on-site for the duration of the session and take responsibility of their child.
ALL YOUNG PIRATES 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.
Beginners:
- Sign in upon arrival
- Rig at the start of each session
Improvers:
- Sign in upon arrival, ready to get on the water
- De-rig after each session
HOW TO BOOK
There is no cost to book a Young Pirates session. 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 Young Pirates date and group (Beginners or Improvers) to book your Young Pirate.
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 and staffed according to need. We will strive to ensure that as many Young Pirates 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 Young Pirates 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 22 Young Pirates for the Beginners session and 11 Young Pirates for the Improvers session.
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 Pirate on the waiting list.
We will contact you before the session if your Young Pirate 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 10:50pm on 4 December 2025