Papercourt Sailing Club is a very active family club with a large number of youth and junior members. Training is geared towards 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.
Social events are arranged during the year, including a BBQ in the summer.
Lots of youth members go out and about on the open meeting circuit and to national championships, and it is great to have Papercourt friends around you when you visit other clubs. So why not come sailing at Papercourt, 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 2020) 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.
Summer Training 2020
Go direct to the summer application form.
Youth summer training is aimed at sailors from total beginners (min 8 Yrs /turning 8 yrs in 2020) 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.
Because of the restrictions surrounding coronavirus (Covid-19) the start of junior training has been delayed and will now begin on Saturday, 20 June. The number of participants will be strictly limited, and to ensure social distancing is maintained sailors must be able to tack and recover from a capsize. It will therefore not yet be possible to include complete beginners. The clubhouse will remain closed and so sailors must come changed ready for sailing or be prepared to change in the car park.
Our aim is to develop skills and confidence in Papercourt 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.
Youth Summer Training will be run on Saturday mornings from 20 June and will run through to October. Briefings will be held at 9.30am and sailors will need to be rigged and ready, with the session debrief at 12.30pm. Parents need to be willing to help out either onshore or as safety boat crew or helm.
There will be a charge of £83 to cover coaching expenses for all training days, which includes a free Papercourt youth T-shirt. You are not expected to turn up for all sessions. However, it is vital that you respond to communications if you are to attend as there are strict ratios for trainers to sailors.
Download information and the summer 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 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.