The RDYC Junior Sailing Week is a fun and action packed time for all ability levels and this year runs from Monday July 29th – Friday 2nd August 2024.
What to expect
Up to 50 children congregate at the Club for a week of relaxed training, racing and the famous Dittisham Picnic Expedition.
The group is split into three according to ability to sail the Club’s Quests (Beginners), Toppers and Teras (Intermediate) and Fevas (Advanced). Five consecutive days on the water lead to big advances in technique for all participants, consolidating existing skills and in several cases, progressing to higher RYA certifications.
Training culminates on the Thursday with a expedition up river to Dittisham for lunch and a few games before sailing back to the Club.
Friday starts with some practise racing before a fun race to secure The River Dart Cup. The week is rounded off by a family bbq on the terrace.
The cost for the 5 days is £275 for members (2nd child gets a 50% reduction). Please note that places are limited and that completing the application form does not guarantee the availability of a place.
To apply please complete the application form for each child by following this link.
Read what one of the young sailors aged 9 had to say about JSW
“My Grandpa lived in Kingswear and has told me about the Junior Sailing Week for a few years now. This year I was 9 and so for the first time was able to join in. Having never sailed before and not knowing any of the other children I was quite nervous before starting. On the first day I was introduced to my instructor, Emily, she was great and I soon met all the other children and volunteers – I was quickly made to feel very welcome.
After being introduced to everyone we spent the first day learning how to set the boat up, how to tie various knots and some sailing theory, as well as our first outing on the water. I was paired with a boy of a similar age to me and we spent most of the rest of the week sailing together.
On Day 2 and Day 3 we took the Quest boats a little further. We saw “The World’” ship and we joked about having sailed around the World!
On Day 4 we took the boats up the river to Dittisham where we ate our packed lunch and then got very muddy playing in the river before sailing the boats back to Kingswear.
Day 5, the last day, was race day. We had to do 2 circuits of the course, the winners were announced at the BBQ that was put on at the yacht club to celebrate the end of the week. I was delighted that my partner and I took first prize in our category and we were presented with an award from the Captain of the Royal Naval College. I had a fantastic week, learning something new and meeting lots of new friends.
