Intensive Dinghy Sailing Course

Objective:

• Introduce participants to the basics of sailing on light sailing dinghies, with a focus on safe practice and building basic independence on the water.

• Learn by doing: getting to know the equipment, steering the boat, and carrying out simple manoeuvres in real conditions.

Duration:

• Total: 8 hours (split between theory and practice)

• Suggested schedule: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (with a lunch break)

Programme:

• 10:00 – 10:30 am — Welcome and introduction

  • Course overview and objectives.

  • Types of dinghies.

  • Main parts of the boat (hull, rudder, centreboard, mainsail, jib).

  • Wind basics: how the boat's position relates to the wind.

• 10:30 – 10:45 am — Quick briefing on land

  • Personal gear: life jacket, suitable clothing.

  • Basic safety: what to do if you fall in the water.

  • Wind and sail basics (with simple visual aids).

  • Rigging the boat together as a group (learning by rigging).

Note: theory is taught right in front of the boat, with everyone touching and seeing everything as we go.

• 10:45 am – 12:30 pm — Practice on land and launch

  • Basic manoeuvres on land: hoisting and lowering the sail.

  • Steering the boat on land using the rudder and mainsheet (simulation).

  • Launching: how to get in and out of the water safely.

• 12:30 – 1:30 pm — Lunch break

• 1:30 – 3:30 pm — Basic sailing on the water

  • Sailing in a straight line according to the wind.

  • Tacking (changing course against the wind).

  • Controlling speed and direction with the mainsheet and rudder.

  • Short routes between buoys.

• 3:30 – 5:00 pm — Building skills and exercises

  • Short courses (buoy circuit).

  • Introduction to gybing (turning with the wind astern).

  • Capsize recovery practice (optional, depending on conditions).

• 5:00 – 6:00 pm — Wrap-up and review

  • Packing away and derigging the boats.

  • Recap of what's been learned.

  • Certificates of participation or symbolic diplomas.

A few important notes:

• Every student gets as much time on the water as possible.

• You learn by doing, not by listening.

• An instructor stays nearby in a support boat for guidance and safety.

• The course adapts to the day's wind and each student's level, more technical when conditions allow, simpler in stronger wind.

• Participants must know how to swim.

• Recommended to bring: clothes you don't mind getting wet, suitable footwear, a cap, sunscreen, water, and a towel.

• Key idea behind this course: learn by doing!

• Students spend 80% of the time sailing and 20% listening to tips and feedback.