2025 Taster & Coaching Sessions – Now Open for Booking
Planning is underway for the 2025 sailing coaching programme, and sign-ups have already begun!
Our first taster sessions will take place on Saturday, 17th May at Sidmouth Seafest, with morning and afternoon slots available. These sessions are a great way to get a feel for dinghy sailing, whether you're completely new or looking to refresh your skills.
If you'd like to reserve a place, please contact Miles Hapgood via email at hannafordonline@hotmail.com. He’ll get back to you with details about how the sessions run.
Can’t make that date? We’re planning to offer at least one more taster session in June — Miles can keep you updated.
More Information
Taster Sessions
These will give you an opportunity to get on the water with an experienced sailor to help you decide if dinghy sailing is for you.
These sessions will take place on Saturday mornings and will include an onshore briefing before you go on the water and a de-brief afterwards.
Participants will be asked to make £10 contribution to the Sidmouth Watersports Hub’s crowdfunding appeal to make the Hub building accessible to all through the installation of an internal lift.
Your contributions will be matched by a Sport England grant. You will need to sign up as temporary members of the Club for the day for insurance purposes.
These are for adults or young people aged 10 years or older. There are no upper age restrictions ( we have several active sailors in their 60s and 70s ) but sailing at Sidmouth does require a reasonable level of fitness and agility due to the open sea setting.
Ours is a family focused Club and young people taking part must have a parent with them who can help out during the session. Refreshments will be available at the end of the morning.
Coaching sessions
These will also take place on Saturday mornings.
They are designed for people who either have no previous experience of dinghy sailing or who have done some sailing in the past but need some refresher coaching.
The coaching will focus on the core dinghy sailing skills as set out in the Royal Yachting Association training schemes, adapted for the particular conditions at Sidmouth.
The coaching will take place in small groups of 3-5 boats and be led by coaches with extensive experience of sailing at Sidmouth.
We aim to provide a course of 5 sessions, weather permitting. As with the taster sessions, we are keen to encourage younger participants, aged 10 or over, whose parent(s) will be available to help out.
Participants will need to take up temporary membership of the Club at a cost of £60.
If you decide to continue sailing after the sessions, then you can pay the balance for full annual membership ( costs are also on the website )
Contact Us for taster & coaching sessions
Miles Hapgood would love to hear from you regarding any inquiries about taster sessions, coaching, and starting sailing.
Complete the form below, and he shall endeavour to get back to you.
Announcement
Taster/Coaching Sessions 2025 – Booking Now Open
The 2025 programme is being finalised and people are already signing up. The first taster sessions will be held on May 17th at Sidmouth Seafest, with morning and afternoon slots available.
To reserve a place, contact Miles Hapgood by email at hannafordonline@hotmail.com. He’ll provide session details and can also update you on future dates if you’re unable to attend in May. Another session is planned for June.