Helensburgh Sailing Club

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Training

HSC is a RYA Recognised Training Centre and we have a vibrant training section providing both on-the-water and shore-based RYA courses.  These courses are usually run using our own RYA-qualified instructors and are aimed at HSC members, however temporary membership is usually an option for short courses.

Dates and Details for 2025 Courses 

Members looking for a course that isn’t listed should contact the Training Principal, Susan Miskelly, to discuss, via  Contact Us. 

Course Descriptions

Junior Training:

Junior training, for children between the ages of 8 and 15, takes place on Monday and Tuesday evenings (5.30-8pm) during the summer and autumn terms. Juniors attend on one evening a week and these sessions follow the RYA Youth Dinghy Sailing Scheme, RYA Advanced Modules or RYA Racing Modules. 

There is currently a waiting list for junior training. To be added to the waiting list, please email us. Members will be given priority.

Junior Summer Week:

Each year in the school summer holidays we run a summer week.  This week is not all about working towards certificates (although we do that too!), we also play lots of games, have a fun regatta and a sail-away day with a picnic lunch.  This week is usually in high demand and members will be given priority.

Powerboat Training:

RYA Powerboat Level 2 Courses – this 2-day course provides the skills and background knowledge needed by a competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.  Min Age 12.

RYA Safety Boat Courses - This is a 2-day course providing the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, or for racing or training activities. Min Age 16.

Shore-based Training:

RYA First Aid Courses - A one-day course covering all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective

RYA Marine Radio SRC Course and Exam - The Short-Range Certificate is the minimum qualification required by law to control the operation of VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment on any British flagged vessel. Min Age 16. 

     
 

Additional information

  • Training Applications

Apply using the link above for the courses run by HSC. Additional courses may be offered subject to instructor availability. We may also email details of externally-run courses to club members, or advertise via the club Facebook page.

RYA Scotland runs "Academies" for dinghy classes, often over the winter. Unlike the previous Squad regime, these are open to all. HSC is a popular Academy venue and club members should keep an eye on the "Upcoming Events" on the website Home Page. Applications to participate should be made via the RYAS Scotland website.