Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Health and Recreation Department
Sailing – Let The Wind Carry You
Sailing is a pastime enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, both competitively and non-competitively on lakes and rivers to the wide-open ocean. Love an adventure in the fresh air, then small boat sailing could be for you. You can take your family, go with friends or escape by yourself, leaving the stress of daily life behind on the shore.
The health benefits of sailing include muscle strengthening and endurance, cardio fitness will improve through working heart and lungs, mental wellbeing will increase as you socialise with fellow sailors and your agility will improve as you move around the boat. Communication is key when sailing, as the helm and the crew need to know what’s going on both inside and outside of the boat.
SAILING CLUB INFORMATION
At South Lake Watersports, you can choose from complete beginner lessons to experienced sailing courses. A sheltered harbour ensures a safe area to learn, with a larger outer lake to improve and practice. The centre offers sailing courses and private lessons to all levels and abilities.
RYA Level 1 Start Sailing Course
The RYA Level 1 Start Sailing Course will teach you to rig and de-rig your sailing dinghy, use the slipway to launch and recover your boat, steer your boat and turn and identify wind direction.
Date: 30 & 31 March | 13 & 14 April | 22 & 23 June (2-day course)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm each day
Cost: £112.00 per person
Age: Participants must be a minimum of 15 years old
Only 6 spaces available
RYA Stage 1 Youth Sailing Scheme
The RYA Stage 1 Youth Sailing Scheme provide an introduction to sailing. Learn the different parts of the boat and the basic principles of how to get your boat in the water and sailing.
Date: 11 & 12 May | 8 & 9 July (2-day course)
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm each day
Cost: £112.00 per person
Age: 8-14 years old
Only 8 spaces available
RYA Level 2 Basic Skills Course
The RYA Level 2 Basic Skills Course is for those who have sailing experience. The course will aim to increase your sailing knowledge and technique whilst improving your practical skills on the water.
Date: 25 & 26 May (2-day course)
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm each day
Cost: £112.00 per person
Age: Participants must be a minimum of 15 years old
Only 6 spaces available
Windsurfing is a watersport that is a combination of surfing and sailing. The practice of windsurfing is simply controlling the wind while you are balancing yourself on the water. A windsurf board is usually 2.5 metres long with a sail called a rig connected to it which can move in all directions. The size of the sail changes depending on the area and the skill level of the sailor. It can seem hard at first, but it is actually easy to grasp with good training.
Currently South Lake Watersports Centre offers windsurfing equipment hire only, participants will be expected to rig / de-rig their own sail, board and move it to and from the slipway for launching and recovering. Anyone who holds their RYA Level 1 start windsurfing qualification would be able to apply to join the South Lake Sailing Club and practice their personal skills within a safe setting on Sundays.
What do I need to bring?
For sailing, you will need to bring a comfortable pair of trainers that you do not mind getting wet or wetsuit booties, towel and toiletries for changing after your session. On arrival at the Centre you will be issued a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and a soft-shell helmet. Participants will be transported by powerboat from South Lake Leisure Centre pier to the boat park pier to begin their session.
What are the age requirements for windsurfing?
The minimum age for participation in sailing activities is 12 years old.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are ideal if you can’t make Sunday mornings. You progress quickly under the watchful eye of a fully qualified instructor. There is one-to-one tuition or tuition for small groups.
The sessions can be booked anytime within the opening hours of the Centre and can be booked by contacting the Centre.
PRICES
Sailing 1-8 people [2 hours minimum] £113.00 | Extra hour £57.00
All equipment is provided. Delivered by RYA Instructors
GROUP LESSONS
We can offer your school or youth group the opportunity to achieve a range of qualifications or awards for sailing.
RYA Level 1
G.C.S.E physical education
Duke of Edinburgh awards
Multi-activity team building day.
For booking details, please contact the Centre.
South Lake Sailing club offers members the opportunity to get onto the water to practice their sailing and windsurfing skills under the supervision of the RYA qualified instructors and club volunteers.
What is the minimum age and requirement for joining South Lake Sailing Club
The minimum requirement for joining the club is RYA Level One or one year’s sailing experience. The minimum age for joining the club is 8 years old.
Does the South Lake Sailing Club cater for individuals with disabilities?
We have boats suitable for those with disabilities and all age groups. Under 16’s must be assisted by an adult for launching and recovering their sailing dinghy.
When do the club sessions run and what is involved?
Club sessions will run each Sunday from March until November starting at 1:00pm and finishing at 4:00pm. Members are welcome to hire the sailing dinghies, anytime the Centre is open, when boats are available and there’s a safety boat is on the water. Please email the watersports Centre to check availability.
At each session you can choose to join the instructor lead session, where you will be given a briefing before your session along with coaching afloat, a debrief and signing-off logbooks.
What do I bring?
Members do not need their own equipment as the club uses the South Lake Watersports’ equipment i.e., boats / boards / wetsuits / cags and buoyancy aids etc. You will need to bring with you the following: swimsuit/shorts, footwear, towel and toiletries.
How do I become a member?
It’s very simple to become a member of the club, simply fill in the application form online and pay the membership fee. Using your membership number, you can then book your weekly session online
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What sailing dinghies are available to use at South Lake Watersports?
The sailing dinghies available to use at South Lake Watersports are Laser Pico’s, Laser 2000’s, Laser Stratos Keel, RS Feva’s, Laser 1’s and an access dinghy with an oxford dipper hoist for non-able-bodied participants.
For sailing, you will need to bring a comfortable pair of trainers that you do not mind getting wet or wetsuit booties, towel and toiletries for changing after your session. On arrival at the Centre you will be issued a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and a soft-shell helmet. Participants will be transported by powerboat from South Lake Leisure Centre pier to the boat park pier to begin their session.
Upon completion of RYA Level 1 in Dinghy Sailing, you will be able to rig and de-rig your sailing dinghy, use the slipway to launch and recover your boat, steer your boat and turn, identify wind direction and knot tying. Any person who holds an RYA Level 1 certificate or the equivalent would be able to apply to join South Lake Sailing Club, meeting every Sunday. As part of the club, you have the choice to join the instructor-lead session or practice your sailing skills independently.
What do I need to bring?
For sailing, you will need to bring a comfortable pair of trainers that you do not mind getting wet or wetsuit booties, towel and toiletries for changing after your session. On arrival at the Centre you will be issued a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and a soft-shell helmet. Participants will be transported by powerboat from South Lake Leisure Centre pier to the boat park pier to begin their session.
What are the age requirements for dinghy sailing?
The minimum age for participation in sailing activities is 12 years old.
What is the course syllabus for RYA Level 1 in Dinghy Sailing ?
Upon completion of RYA Level 1 in Dinghy Sailing, you will be able to rig and de-rig your sailing dinghy, use the slipway to launch and recover your boat, steer your boat and turn, identify wind direction and knot tying. Any person who holds an RYA Level 1 certificate or the equivalent would be able to apply to join South Lake Sailing Club, meeting every Sunday. As part of the club, you have the choice to join the instructor-lead session or practice your sailing skills independently.