Training Week

Summer Training Week

A full week of sailing, learning and confidence building

Each summer Newburgh Sailing Club runs its annual Training Week — a five-day programme designed to help sailors of all ages and abilities learn, improve and enjoy time on the water.

Some participants step into a boat for the very first time. Others use the week to develop independence, gain qualifications or begin their journey towards becoming instructors. The atmosphere is supportive, friendly and encouraging, with sailors grouped by ability so everyone can progress at a comfortable pace.

Training Week is one of the highlights of our season and a great way to experience the club.

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More than just sailing

Training Week is also one of the most social weeks of the year at the club.

Whenever weather and tides allow, members are welcome to camp at the club grounds, turning the week into a relaxed outdoor experience rather than just a daytime course. Evenings often continue long after sailing finishes, with families, sailors and volunteers spending time together by the river.

We usually organise shared meals, a club barbecue and, if conditions permit, a traditional beach bonfire. It’s an opportunity for sailors of all ages to make friends, build confidence and feel part of the club community — not just participants in a course.

For many younger sailors this is the moment they stop “attending sailing” and start feeling they belong at the club.

Parents often comment that the friendships formed during Training Week are just as valuable as the sailing skills learned on the water.

Who is it for?

Training Week is open to:

children and young people
adults trying sailing for the first time
sailors wanting to improve confidence
returning sailors who have not sailed for years
members wishing to work towards instructor qualifications

You do not need your own boat or prior experience to take part.

What you will learn

During the week, sailors develop practical sailing skills alongside water awareness and confidence. Instruction is provided by qualified RYA instructors supported by experienced club volunteers.

Depending on experience, you may work on:

boat handling and steering
rigging and launching
sailing different directions
turning (tacking and gybing)
capsize awareness and recovery
understanding wind and tides
sailing independently and safely

The aim is not just to teach techniques, but to help sailors feel comfortable and confident on the water.

RYA Courses and Stages

We run multiple RYA courses simultaneously throughout the week, allowing sailors to join the level that suits them.

This may include:

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Stages 1–4
RYA Adult Levels 1–3
improver and coached sailing

Sailors are grouped by ability rather than age wherever possible.

Assistant Instructor Development

Training Week also provides opportunities for older juniors and young adults to begin volunteering and developing leadership skills.

Participants can:

assist instructors
help younger sailors
gain practical experience on the water
work towards Assistant Instructor training

Many of our current instructors first took this step during a Training Week.

Safety and Supervision

Safety is central to everything we do.

Qualified RYA instructors lead all sessions
Safety boats are on the water at all times
Buoyancy aids are provided
Sailors are supervised both afloat and ashore
Activities are adapted to weather and ability

Parents are welcome to stay and watch from the clubhouse or shore.

What to bring

You don’t need specialist sailing clothing.

Please bring:

old trainers or wet shoes
comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet
a warm jumper or fleece
waterproof jacket (if available)
towel and dry change of clothes
suncream and water bottle

All boats and buoyancy aids are provided.

A real club effort

Training Week is made possible by volunteers. In a typical year around 45 sailors take part, supported by a team of over 20 instructors, safety boat drivers and helpers.

Members help launch boats, prepare equipment, support beginners and create a welcoming environment for everyone involved. For many sailors this week becomes the moment they truly feel part of the club.

After the week

Many sailors continue coming down to regular club sessions after Training Week. Some go on to race, others sail socially, and some later become volunteers and instructors themselves.

There is no pressure to join immediately — you are welcome to come back and sail at your own pace.