We have a huge number of youth and junior members at Papercourt. Jeremy Riley is the youth representative on the committee and he represents our views and takes ideas from the young members to the committee.
Papercourt Sailing Club is a very active family club and there is loads of training geared towards us, in Optimists from about age eight to Toppers, Fevas, Laser 4.7s and Laser Radials. We also have an active group of teenagers who sail other boats, in particular RS200s and Lasers.
Most of the social events are attended by members of all ages and we always have a good time. At the fireworks there are games particularly for the juniors and at the BBQ in the summer. If you’re nervous about not knowing anyone then get in touch with Jeremy beforehand and he’ll try to make sure that you are introduced to friendly people your age as soon as you arrive.
Lots of youth members go out and about on the open meeting circuit and to national championships, and it is great to have PSC friends around you when you visit other clubs. So why not come sailing at PSC, come to some of our social events and make some new friends!
Youth and Junior Training
Youth summer training is aimed at sailors from total beginners (minimum eight years/turning eight years in 2019) up to those interested in improving their sailing, including racing skills. It is hoped this will give them the opportunity and skills to equip them to participate on the open racing circuit and to attend national events.
Winter training is also arranged for more experienced sailors.
Our aim is to develop skills and confidence in Papercourt Sailing Club youth sailors and help non- zone squad sailors gain places at next year’s zone squad selection by improving their sailing ability, confidence and ability to apply racing tactics.
The aim of the youth training is for children to have fun and learn in a safe environment. Sailing helps children develop self confidence, independence, an to ability to think for themselves, problem solving and respect for others and themselves. It is of course also a great way to meet and make new friends.
Junior Trainers
Key to the success of our training is the use of junior trainers. These are young experienced club sailors many of whom have come up through Oppies, and gone onto RYA squads and racing. Our experience tells us that the kids learn much better from our junior trainers as they look up to them and enjoy their ‘cool, laid back’ approach.
Winter Training 2019/20
Winter training is aimed at sailors who are interested in improving their sailing skills, including racing. It is hoped this will give them the opportunity and skills to equip them to participate in Optimist, Topper and Feva Open meetings and/or Zone Squads. Our aim is to develop skills and confidence in PSC Youth Sailors in more difficult sailing conditions. There will be team racing training as well.
It is open to all youth sailors who are competent and ready for intensive coaching in cold weather. They will need suitable cold weather clothing. A dry suit is required for those new to winter sailing. Applicants are expected to take part in the 2019/2020 PSC Open Meetings and perhaps try out Opens at other clubs as well as national events.
The registration fee is £80 for all eight proposed training dates. To take part in the youth training you must: 1) be a Papercourt member, 2) complete as clearly as possible, the registration form (including the declaration and medical form), 3) send all three parts, together with a cheque for £80, to Jo Armstrong, whose address is on the form, before 7 November.
Download information and the winter application form here.
One form per child please. It is helpful to receive completed forms as soon as possible. The forms ask for your help. We also need ALL parents to help – a condition of registration is that we have the preferences for at least one parent.
Children in Oppies will also require an IOCA log book. If you do not have one, they are £20 each, alternatively you can join IOCA and get a free log book. To do this, log onto www.optimistsailing.org.uk. If joining IOCA for the first time, it is advisable do this as soon as possible as it can take some time to receive a log book. Please make cheques payable to Papercourt Optimists.
On the day
09.00 – sign in at the clubhouse on arrival. We need to know who is here and how many sailors we have, then go and rig up.
09.30 – Briefings and allocation into groups for the day’s activities. Make sure you’re rigged and ready to go on the water. Appropriate clothing and a buoyancy aid is necessary. We don’t want to turn your away but we must be safe.
11.00ish – a short break (bring some tuck shop money.)
12.30 – Formal training finishes. In the summer our more experienced sailors are encouraged to take part in the Club racing starting at 13.45.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not operate as a child minding service and are unable to provide child care facilities. A parent, guardian or other named adult must remain on Club premises throughout each session entered, and shall be at all times responsible for the conduct and participation of the sailor in his or her care.