Activity overview
Take your sailing to the next level with our Youth Beginner Race Training week! Designed for young sailors who have completed RYA Stage 3 or above, this intensive programme is ideal for those with little to no racing experience, or for those looking to refresh their skills.
Over the week, participants will be guided by experienced coaches through the fundamentals of racing, including boat handling, race strategy, and starting techniques. The course focuses on building confidence, improving decision-making, and having fun on the water, giving young sailors the skills they need to join regattas and friendly races with confidence.
What to expect
- Intensive one-week beginner racing programme
- Suitable for RYA Stage 3+ sailors with little or no racing experience
- Learn key racing skills: starts, mark roundings, and race strategy
- Improve boat handling under race conditions
- Fun, supportive coaching tailored to individual needs
- Gain confidence and experience to enter races and regattas
- Practical, hands-on learning with plenty of time on the water
Prerequisites & course minimum requirements
Sailors must have completed their RYA Stage 3 qualification to participate. We highly recommend completing this course before joining the Beginner Sail Race Training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
RYA Stage 3
The next step for young sailors ages 8 and above who have achieved their RYA Stage 2 and want to progress on to the next level! A refresher of skills over 5-days, whilst working towards their RYA Stage 3 certificate.
Key information
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top
Helmet
What you need to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Emma Bannister
“We build our programmes around each individual’s requirements, with consideration to their needs, aspirations and strengths. Seeing the impact that a visit to ASC Reading can have on young people is incredibly rewarding, whether they’re here for a few hours to decompress, or for a week packed with adventure and new experiences.”
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top
Helmet
What you need to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Tayla Donovan
“Close to major transport links and the city centre, our centre at Bartley Reservoir is a safe, inland watersports venue. With a range of activities available, including sailing, Swim Safe, raft building, team games, and soft archery, our programmes encourage the development of key life skills such as communication, teamwork, problemsolving and resilience, in a classroom like no other.”
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
Helmet
What you need to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Nathan Bloss
“Portland offers consistent wind and a fantastic sailing venue all year round – for both beginners and elite sailors alike. Inspire your family and friends as they sail on the same waters as Olympians, excel at exciting new activities, make friends, and develop key life skills."
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Wetsuit
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
Helmet
What you need to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Ross Dixon
“At ASC Portsmouth, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities that cater to all. Our range of activities, from sailing and kayaking to climbing and sustainability workshops, ensures an engaging experience for everyone. As a team, we are committed to creating inclusive programmes that adapt to different learning styles and abilities, ensuring every participant can challenge themselves and grow. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping each individual discover their potential in our unique outdoor classroom.”
Where can this take you?
After completing the Beginner Sail Race Training, the following activities could be your next step:
Intermediate Race Training
Take your racing skills to the next level with our intensive training camp! Perfect for club-level sailors aiming to excel in their chosen class. Train with expert race coaches and…
Race Club
Take your sailing skills to the next level in our weekly youth race club, designed for children with Stage 3 experience or equivalent.
Why book with Andrew Simpson Centres?
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Top-Quality Equipment
Our fleet is well-maintained and regularly updated, ensuring you train with the best sailing gear available. -
Expert Coaching & Development
Our professional instructors follow a structured development programme, helping you progress at every level. -
Not-for-Profit Impact
Every booking supports our charitable mission to make sailing accessible to all, reinvesting in the sport and future sailors. -
Unforgettable Experience
Whether you're learning the basics or refining race tactics, you'll gain confidence, skills, and a love for the water. -
High Safety Standards
Safety is our top priority, with expertly trained staff, well-maintained equipment, and strict safety protocols in place. -
Flexible, Customised Courses
We tailor our courses to each participant, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water. -
Low Instructor-to-Sailor Ratios
Smaller group sizes mean more personalised coaching, helping you develop skills faster and with confidence. -
Accessible for All
We offer inclusive courses designed to support individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN), making sailing accessible to everyone.
Check availability & book
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booked
touch for
availability
Please call our centres directly on 0300 124 0449 if you would like to book with childcare vouchers.