Taster Sessions for Prospective Members

Taster sailing sessions for prospective members

Would you like to have a go at sailing and see if you like Ripon Sailing Club? Come along for a taster sail. The sessions need to be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

Taster sessions are offered to prospective members, on specific dates during the April - September sailing season. Please note that these sessions do not teach you how to sail on your own but are an opportunity to have a go in one of our bigger dinghies with an experienced sailor at the helm. You will need to be a member of the sailing club to join our beginner training courses. Two day, RYA beginner courses, are usually offered from May onwards and we often run 4 or 5 beginner courses between May and September. A two day RYA course costs £90 (2025 prices). Our club boats are only available to hire, once a sailor has qualified to RYA Adult Level 2 or Junior Stage 2 standard.

Taster sails usually take place on selected Saturdays, Sundays, or early evenings on Wednesdays, when we have safety boat cover and an experienced sailor available. Sessions can be booked for adults and children from the age of 7yrs. Please note that juniors under 16yrs will need to have an adult on site and children of primary school age will need to be accompanied in the boat by a responsible adult or parent.

The session costs £50, whether for one or more. (Maximum: 3 adults, or 2 adults + 2 children under 16, or 1 adult + 3 children under 16) and usually last around 60 - 90 minutes. If you decide to join Ripon Sailing Club within a month of the taster sail, the cost will be deducted from your membership fee. If the weather/wind strength is suitable, participants may be offered a go helming.

No special clothing is necessary, though we ask that you wear flat, secure footwear eg trainers. (No slip-on shoes, flip-flops or wellingtons). Bring warm clothing (layers are ideal), a windproof top eg cagoul, to keep the wind from cooling you whilst out on our lake and a hat if it is likely to be cool. Long hair should be tied up to prevent it getting tangled in the rigging. Participants should be mobile enough to be able to step from our jetty into a wobbly boat.

Buoyancy aids are provided. During the session the helm will introduce you to the facilities we have at the club and give you information on membership and our RYA Learn to Sail courses, should you be interested.

Our next planned taster day will be on Saturday 19th April Easter Saturday. Pre booking & payment essential to secure a time slot.

For further booking information please contact training@ripon-sc.org.uk

Last updated 20:47 on 19 March 2025