Participants with previous experience are invited to use the centre during open sessions, giving a great way of practising the skills they have learned; these are open during evenings and weekends. If you prefer to have some guidance we also run more progressive courses, as well as improver sessions on a Monday evening during the summer, and sail racing all year round.
Twilight is a perfect way to introduce yourself to the centre, giving an excellent opportunity to try out all the different sports, and enjoy an excellent BBQ and a relaxing drink afterwards.
For the more adventurous we also operate outside of the confines on the dock, with trips on the tidal Thames, entry to the Thames Traveller racing series, the London Regatta and the Isle of Sheppy race for the sailors, white water paddling trips for the kayakers and canoeists, and introduction to competitive dragon boat teams for those wishing to progress in this sport. We also hope to introduce away trips to more progressive locations for the windsurfers.
Adult membership is £150 per year which includes access to open sessions, discounts on courses and other adult activities.
Courses
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Doublehanded RYA Level One Course
Using our doublehanded Bosuns, this course will give you an introduction to the sport of sailing over two days. It covers all you need to know to get afloat under supervision. By the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of dinghy sailing techniques and basic background knowledge. This course is for anyone wanting a taste of sailing, and a great way to learn the basics for recreational purposes, or before progressing further in the RYA sailing scheme.
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Singlehanded RYA Level One Course
Using our singlehanded Laser Picos, this course will give you an introduction to the sport of sailing over two days. It covers all you need to know to get afloat under supervision. By the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of dinghy sailing techniques and a basic background knowledge. This course is for anyone wanting a taste of sailing, and a great way to learn the basics for recreational purposes, or before progressing further in the RYA sailing scheme.
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RYA Level Two Course
This course is the second part of the RYA training scheme and for those who have completed the RYA Level 1, Start Sailing, course or have equivalent experience. Its aim is to consolidate your basic knowledge of sailing, and develop an awareness of safety. By the end of the course, you will be capable of sailing a dinghy without an instructor on board in light winds.
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RYA Level Three Course
This intermediate course bridges the gap between the first 2 levels and then the 5 further advanced levels. Level 3 helps to develop your technique and have a taster of what the advanced levels have to offer. The RYA Level 3 adult sailing course content includes rigging and sail controls for weather and sea states, coming alongside pontoons, returning to shore, sailing more efficiently with the five essentials, tell tales, man overboard, rules of the road, more in-depth meteorology, some tasters into the next advanced modules which can be chosen by you.
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RYA Start Windsurfing
This course is for beginners who have done little or no windsurfing before. It is the first part of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) windsurfing scheme and its aim is to provide basic windsurfing techniques and essential background knowledge. By the end of the course you will be able to windsurf safely under loose supervision, be able to turn the board around, sail to where you want to go and get back to shore. This course is the minimum recognised qualification for hiring kit at the Centre on Open Sessions.
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British Canoeing Start and Discover
This course is for beginners who have done little or no kayaking before. It is the first part of the British Canoeing scheme and its aim is to provide basic kayaking techniques and essential background knowledge. By the end of the course you will have achieved a good understanding of the basic handling techniques for both canoes and kayaks.
Other Instructed Activities
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Autumnal Series
The seasonal race series’ are back! If you are Level 2 qualified and are keen to get some competitive time on the water then these are the sessions for you. Each season consists of 4-6 race days with the winner of the series receiving the seasonal trophy, plus a bottle of wine. If you are looking for a social and fun way to get involved in racing then this is perfect, you can organise a partner before you arrive or just show up! *We ask that you have your RYA L2 certificate, if you do not you can still attend
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Twilight Racing
Twilight is a fun event borrowed from our friends down under and is an excellent way to unwind in the evening, or simply to have a first taste of the activities the centre has to offer. The concept is simple, long evenings, fun sailing/racing. Twilight runs on Friday evenings throughout the summer from the end of April to the middle of September.
