€150,00

ESS Keelboat Taster Plus

3 hrs

The course

Our own 3-hour course demonstrating how to leave and return and how to sail a keelboat upwind and downwind. There should be an opportunity to take the helm, with an instructor onboard at all times. After the taster you can choose from our own and RYA courses, paying the difference in costs. Minimum of two students, maximum three.

Teaching method

Working aboard the keelboat we will cover safety and leaving the port before demonstrating basic helming and crewing when on the water. Students will be encouraged to try both.

Course and session timing

Our boat is moored in the port so you should be ready in your sailing clothes 15 minutes before the course start at our beach office and you can walk with the instructor to the boat, carrying any extra equipment between you.

Pre-course experience

A wonderful course suiting all and requiring no previous experience. The three hours provides the maximum sailing time as keelboat sails are hoisted outside the port. We need 2 or 3 students to run this course with 20% discount for the second person and 50% discount for a third

How to book

Book by contacting our office by phone or by clicking ‘Check Availability’

Syllabus

Wind awareness, rigging, parts of the boat
Sailing across the wind, stopping (lying-to), speed control
Basic tacking (turning the front of the boat through the wind)
Basic gybing (turning the back of the boat through the wind)
Sailing upwind and downwind
Leaving and returning to port
Awareness of other water users and basic knowledge of the rules of the road
Safety, personal buoyancy and weather conditions

Course progression

Course start

Courses start daily upon request

What's provided

Buoyancy aids are provided. You should bring lightweight outdoor clothing and footwear such as trainers. A spray top or cagoule is advised and there is storage for small bags for snacks, towels etc.

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