Sailing

Taster Sessions

Come and try sailing! If you're part of a group, see our Groups page to see what you can achieve.

Beginner Courses

You've decided that sailing is for you. Work your way through the Youth or Adult courses.

Advanced Modules

Want to learn more? Choose one of the advanced modules to suit your sailing interests.

Taster Sessions

General Information

We have a range of dinghies, 7 Oppies, 1 Tera, 13 Toppers, 12 Laser Picos with jibs, 3 RS Fevas , 3 Laser Bahias with furling jibs and spinnakers and a Wayfarer with jib or genoa.

All participants will be given tuition by our qualified instructors using techniques established by the RYA.

What will you learn?

Taster Session content

Taster sessions cover the basics of how to steer and propel your boat with the wind. Working in pairs you will be zooming around the lake in no time.

Session recommendations

Under 8 years old -
Evening or half day. They will be in small boats that are unlikely to capsize.
Over 8 years old -
Evening, full day or 2 day courses. They will be in single handed and/or double handed boats, dependent on size.

To book a private taster session or if you would like to include sailing as part of a group activity day please fill out our booking enquiry and we will get back to you to discuss your options.

Booking Enquiry

Beginner Courses

All courses are 2 days (or equivalent sessions). Youth courses start at age 9+. Adult courses start at age 16+.
To make the most of our courses, ensure you are confident with the skills of one course before moving on to the next course. If you're a bit rusty, you may be asked to return for an extra day of training before being fully signed off.
Sailing is a sport which gets better with practice, and you should try to sail between courses whenever you can. Practice makes perfect!

Youth Stage 1

A basic understanding of how a boat sails, with experience of steering and handling the boat.

Youth Stage 2

A range of sailing skills and knowledge to help you become a confident sailor.

Youth Stage 3

Rigging, launching and sailing in any direction. Equivalent to Adult Level 2.

Youth Stage 4

Sail a double handed boat as crew and helm, and solve a variety of problems afloat.

Adult Level 1
Start Sailing

Introducing you to sailing with all you need to know to get afloat under supervision.

Adult Level 2
Basic Skills

Setting out the foundations of sailing for you to make confident decisions.

Adult Level 3
Better Sailing

Enhance your skills with a range of tasters from the modules.

Advanced Modules

Advanced Module courses are 2 days.

Generally, you will be ready for these courses if you have completed Youth Stage 3 or 4, or Adult Level 2, and have had some practice too.

Seamanship Skills

How to handle a boat in all circumstances and solve problems afloat.

Sailing with Spinnakers

Everything you need to know about sailing with conventional or asymmetric spinnakers.

Start Racing

All the information and skills you need to get you round the race track.

Intermediate Racing

Working on your speed around the course and using the rules to your advantage.

Instructor Courses

Assistant Instructor

A centre-specific certificate, awarded by the training centre and valid for five years. You will be able to teach up to Youth Stage 3 or Adult Level 2 under the supervision of a Senior Instructor.

Required Certificates

One of the advanced modules, preferably seamanship skills.

Pre-entry Assessment

Recommendation by the centre RYA Principal

Dinghy Instructor

A 5 day course learning teaching techniques afloat and ashore. You will be able to teach Youth Stages, Adult Levels, Seamanship Skills, Sailing with Spinnakers and Day Sailing (if suitably experienced).

Required Certificates

First Aid Certificate
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Safe and Fun Safeguarding Certificate

Pre-entry Assessment

To be completed within one year prior to the instructor course.

What our customers say

Thank you so much for the fun sailing session our group thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The staff at Essa were very patient and helpful.

25th Harlow Scouts

Our daughters have had a great time on Stage 1 and 2 sailing courses. Richard and staff were all super helpful and made their time there loads of fun and their skills have come on brilliantly. This base is a real gem and we will be taking more opportunities to use the facilities as a family. Thanks so much.

Suzanne

Good time for little ones and big ones, katakanuing, sailing, wobble boarding and dragon boating.

Taster Sessions

Taster Session content

Beginner Courses

Youth Stage 1

Youth Stage 2

Youth Stage 3

Youth Stage 4

Adult Level 1
Start Sailing

Adult Level 2
Basic Skills

Adult Level 3
Better Sailing

Advanced Modules

Seamanship Skills

Sailing with Spinnakers

Start Racing

Intermediate Racing

Instructor Courses

Assistant Instructor

Required Certificates

Pre-entry Assessment

Dinghy Instructor

Required Certificates

Pre-entry Assessment

What our customers say

25th Harlow Scouts

Suzanne

Sarah

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