dinghy sailing
overview
The Lochaber & Fort William area bounded by an exclusive coastal & marine environment and is one of Scotland's premier training locations. Snowgoose Mountain Centre is surrounded by safe water with easy access sheltered tidal waters of Loch Linnhe and access to the open sea down the length of Loch Linnhe beyond Corran Narrows. The centre's position offers exceptional facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all levels. We have a small fleet of 16' Devon Yawls which can take 4 students plus an instructor.
This is an exciting all weather dinghy which is fun to sail but is also fast and responsive for either single handed sailing or a family day out.
We have several options available for Dinghy Sailing. Try the exciting sport of dinghy sailing with our experienced Instructors. For a mixed activity weekend or short break, dates can be selected to allow you to consider combining this day with a Paddlesport Taster or a Mountain Sport Taster Day – or try these beginner options as part of a Family Day Ticket.
Our Options include:
Start Dinghy Sailing
Adult Beginners Course Age 16 yrs +
Junior Beginners Course Age 8 yrs +
By the end of a 2 day Beginners course you will have experienced handling the dinghy, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
Previous Experience & Assumed Knowledge | Non Required
Minimum Length of Course | 2 Days
Course Itinerary | You will have hands on experience of:
- The dinghy and its main parts
- Basic boat handling – how to sail in all directions
- Launching & recovery
- Basic weather & meteorology
By the end of the 2 day course:
- You will be able to sail as a crew in light winds under supervision
Learn to Sail Modular Courses
These 2 day Learn to Sail detailed below (Stages 1 – 4) can be taken as separate 2 day courses or combined into a 6 day comprehensive skills training course – or fit into the level you are currently at.
This includes:
Stage 1 | A basic understanding of how a boat sails, wind direction with some experience of steering and handling the boat
Assumed knowledge | None
Minimum duration | 2 Days
Minimum age | We often take children from the age of 8 years
Course content | Launching and recovery, steering, parts of boat, basic sailing skills & techniques Ability after course Able to steer and understand basic principles
Stage 2 | You will learn a range of sailing skills and knowledge to help in becoming a confident sailor
Assumed knowledge | An understanding of how a boat sails, wind direction with some experience of steering and handling the boat
Minimum duration | 2 Days
Minimum age | We take children from the age of 10 years
Course content | Basic sailing skills, ropework, collision avoidance
Ability after course | Able to tack and control boat speed, and understand basic principles
Stage 3 | You will learn about Rigging, launching and sailing in any direction. More or less equivalent to Level 2 in the National Sailing Scheme
Assumed knowledge | Dinghy Sailing knowledge, skills & experience up to Stage 2
Minimum duration | 2 Days
Minimum age | We often take children from the age of 10 years
Course content | Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques, capsize recovery, sailing theory
Ability after course | Able to launch and sail a dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions
Stage 4 | Learn to sail a double handed boat as crew or helm, and solve a variety of problems afloat.
Assumed knowledge | Dinghy Sailing knowledge, skills & experience up to Stage 3
Minimum duration | 2 Days
Minimum age | We take children from the age of 12 years
Course content | Rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques, and manoeuvres in crewed boats, recovering a man overboard
Ability after course | Can launch and return to a beach, jetty or mooring, and sail a crewed dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions
Costs
2 Day Courses: £150 per person (Course Only) – subject to a minimum of 3 persons booking
5 Day Courses: £319 per person (Course Only) – subject to a minimum of 3 persons booking
