Juniors 

Otley Sailing Club is proud to be a family club that organises events and activities for all junior and youth sailors from eight through to eighteen years old. We offer a number of events and programmes throughout the season, to help introduce new sailors to the sport and develop those who have embarked on the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme:

Stage 1 and 2: 

We run a course for absolute beginners at the start of the season, typically during the month of April. This is either spread across two weekends or a long weekend over the Easter break. The group is small with a great ratio of students to instructors. It also offers those who complete the course to then feed into the Thursday Junior Sailing Club. 

Thursday Junior Sailing Club:

The club runs from the end of April through to the end of July and begins at 6.30pm, coming off the water at 8pm. The sessions we run are split into three groups: 

1. Stage 3 and 4: We work through both syllabuses with the aim of developing independent sailors. 

2. Start Racing/Seamanship: This group is for those young sailors who have completed Stage 4 and want to develop their sailing skills. Depending on interest, we run either a Racing module or a Seamanship course. 

3. Race Development: This group is for those who are regularly racing, either at club level or on the open circuit. Within this group, we look at finessing skills and developing race craft. 

With all the above courses, the underlying ethos is safety and fun. If our young sailors can learn something along the way, all the better! The team of instructors and coaches are experienced sailors in their own right and provide an organised and structured programme. 

During the summer holidays, we run an informal racing series.

Family Days:

During the season, OSC runs a social on-the-water day, with a race officer and safety boat. This is a great start for anyone joining the main racing fleet for the first time. It is also a great day for the family to enjoy time on the water.

Weekly Racing: 

OSC runs weekly races throughout the season with a Wednesday evening race and a Sunday afternoon race. All junior sailors are invited to take part. If you can sail a triangle course, then you qualify! There will always be another experienced sailor who can guide you through the starting procedure and be there to help you with understanding the course. The racing is relaxed and supportive. 

Juniors can hire Toppers, Laser Picos, RS Feva, Laser 1, Fusions and Hartley 12.2 dinghies, as long as they hold the Stage 3 qualification. 

Many progress to the racing circuit and regularly represent OSC at events throughout the country. Check out the results on the North Yorkshire Youth Youths Travellers Series.  Fantastic work, keep it up !!!