Sail Training Applications open on Sunday 1st March.

Sail Training 2026 will begin with briefings and boat checks on Sunday 2^nd August, from 2pm.

We will be taking applications online for all participants, volunteers and instructors between 1st - 10th March during which time the application forms (tickets) will be available HERE. Please login to BSSC Members Hub here login.
Please be aware that if your application is made after this period then your child will be placed on a reserve list (this applies to instructors, too).
Parents, please apply to volunteer as we use your offers of help as part of our selection criteria.
Assistant Instructor course: Thursday 30^th July (c.3pm) Sunday 2^nd August (c.12pm). All applicants must have completed Stage 4 and Seamanship Skills and be aged 16 by 31^stAugust 2026. As highlighted last year, we may ask to see copies of applicants' logbooks in May to aid us with selection. There are limited places this year. Please record the date, boat type, conditions, location, number of hours and the nature of the event eg racing / cruising.
Assistant Instructors do not need to apply to be an Instructor. We assume that all the candidates will be available to work during Sail training. Please do not apply to do the AI course if you are not available for Sail Training.
Briefings and boat checks: Sunday 2^nd August, from 2pm
Sailing Days: Monday 3^rd August - Saturday 8th August
BBQ at BSSC: Wednesday 5^th August, 6pm

Courses: The courses are designed to be completed in the order of the table below.
Prices: Prices are per child.
We offer subsidized prices for those that live locally, educate their children in a local state school and request that they need the subsidy. Please contact members@bssc.net to apply.

Instructors: If you would like to be involved in Sail Training 2026 please apply to be an instructor by 10 March. Please have your RYA reference number (not applicable for AIs) and dates of any RYA instructor qualifications, including first aid, to hand. Any questions should be directed towards our Chief Instructor, Nick Williams: nickwilliams.uk91@gmail.com or 07704 422548.

We have in previous years been over-subscribed with Instructors. Due to increased numbers of instructors applying to work during sail training, and the responsibility we hold for delivering safe, high-quality instruction, we are operating a selective recruitment process for instructors this year. In addition to holding the necessary qualifications, we will be looking at applicants' suitability based on the following criteria:

Instructor Hiring Policy
Requirements:
· BSSC member
· Valid and in-date qualifications: Instructor certificate, PB2 / Safety Boat, Safe & Fun and First Aid (where applicable)
· Reliable performance and conduct in prior years
Must:
· Apply in accordance with the timeline and process and deliver documents eg HMRC form on time
· Submit your own application (if you are over 18)
· Be available for the duration of courses running during Sail Training including ALL necessary boat checks and briefings
· Have knowledge of and be familiar with BSSC harbour and conditions including tides, hazards
· Demonstrate excellent teaching skills and ability to work proactively and effectively as part of the wider team delivering sail training including instructors and volunteers

Volunteers and Boat Loans:

As ever, we rely on both those generous enough to volunteer their time and loan their boats (Wayfarers, Fevas and RS 2000s/L2Ks, Toppers) to BSSC / Sail Training week. All parents of applicants are expected to offer some time, which we capture in the volunteer application form, otherwise please get in touch. We will try to confirm volunteer duties in early July if not before.

Safeguarding and GDPR:
To comply with RYA best practice for Safeguarding and GDPR, we require all instructors and volunteers to complete the Declarations ticket.

Notes:
Participant places are NOT allocated on a first come first served basis. Applications will only be reviewed after the 10th of March. Please make sure you have read and understood the following before making an application for your child.
1. There are minimum recommended age limits for all courses. See individual course pages for details.
2. For stage 3 and above, parents and children need to understand that merely completing an RYA stage one year and then enrolling on the next RYA stage the following summer with no practice in between will make it challenging to achieve all elements of the course.
For stage 3, Start Racing and Club Racing, children are to provide their own Topper in good working order. We won't allow Toppers on the water if they are not fit for purpose (see Topper preparation guide under the course information page).
3. Club Racing: Children are welcome to repeat this course until they are 14 when we encourage them to do Stage 4.

Responses:
You will receive confirmation of your application(s) by email from BSSC. When the selection is complete (by the end of April), you will receive notification and an invoice (if successful) which needs to be settled within 2 weeks. Each child may only apply to do one course.

All enquiries should be made to Georgie Child at bsscsailtraining@yahoo.co.uk and Alex Angles at members@bssc.net if you have trouble applying or need help with a login.

We look forward to seeing you for another enjoyable week at BSSC!

Best wishes from Georgie, Rob, Nick, Jemma and Fi

BSSC Sail Training Committee

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Please find our winter and Easter holiday opening times below. If you would like make a booking for lunch or any of the events listed below, please email the_clubhouse@bssc.net

Winter & Easter opening times