Otley Sailing Club
Adult Improver Sessions (members only)
Focusing on a different aspect of sailing each session this is an ideal opportunity to improve your sailing, and get more time on the water under experienced supervision.
We're beginning with Thursday evening sessions (£10) and then, when the light goes, will move on to monthly Saturday mornings (£15) .
Each session will have a focus, but all of it will improve your sailing!
Sessions might include:
Sign up to each session individually, at least three days before, so we know our numbers. Also please join the WhatApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IsuxWd4QxVf3OVc1R9t8eS
Cancellation: If you can't make a session please give us as much notice as possible. If we have to cancel a session we will do the same and issue a refund.
The last order date for Christmas delivery of Otley Sailing Club Branded Clothing will be 9am on Monday 8th December 2025.
OSC Online Shop
OSC Shop - Hats, Polos, Hoodies, Jackets - Christmas Orders by 9am Mon 8th Dec - free delivery to OSC available
RYA Youth Training Sessions. Stages 1 & 2
This is a beginners sailing course (RYA Stage 1 & 2) aimed at OSC member Juniors (age 8 and above) with little or no experience. The course will cover launching and recovery, sailing across the wind, turning around, steering and basic parts of the boat. By the end of the course the juniors should be able to sail a shallow triangle, steer and understand the basic principles of sailing.
The course will be over 4 days, from 9.30am until 4.30pm on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 2026
In addition to enjoyment and learning new skills, safety is of paramount importance during Otley Sailing Club courses. Water sports can be hazardous by their nature and participants, parents or guardians must accept that there are risks and the inevitable bumps and scrapes which happen during the thrills and spills of fast moving activities. To manage the risks so far as we are able, Otley sailing club has a ‘safe system of work’:
Please note that the Juniors will need the following:-
Cancellations
If you need to cancel, please give us as much notice as you can. If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. If you cancel within 4 weeks of the start of the course, a refund will only be given if we are able to fill your place.
Cancellation by Otley Sailing Club:
Every attempt will be made to ensure the course takes place. However, Otley Sailing Club reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a course at any time if it believes on reasonable grounds that cancellation is necessary due to unsuitable conditions. Otley Sailing Club reserves the right to cancel a course at any time if the number of Trainees fails to reach a workable minimum, such numbers to be determined by Otley Sailing Club. In all other cases, weekend courses may be cancelled up to 3 weeks prior to the start date. Longer courses may be cancelled up to 4 weeks prior to the starting date. If a course has to be cancelled, Otley Sailing Club will offer Trainees the following options: a full refund of the course fee paid an alternative course on a different set of dates Safety
In addition to enjoyment and learning new skills, safety is of paramount importance on all Otley Sailing Club courses. Clearly, water sports and adventure activities are hazardous by their nature and participants must accept that there are risks and the inevitable bumps and scrapes which happen during the thrills and spills of fast moving activities. To manage the risks so far as we are able, Otley Sailing Club has a 'safe system of work': - we only use qualified experienced staff - we provide a range of safety equipment for participants' comfort and safety. - we provide safe equipment for your course. - we teach to RYA recommendations and guidelines, in small groups. - we have robust management and safety systems which have been inspected by approved bodies such as the RYA
- we reserve the right to modify or cancel an activity if we feel that there are unmanageable risks.
Insurance
Our boats and instructors carry public liability insurance, however sailing is a challenging adventure sport and we do not offer cover for any courses in respect of cancellation, curtailment of your course or self-caused accident to yourselves or others, if you are worried about this we recommend that you take out personal insurance.
This Dinghy Sailing course is designed to follow the RYA "Start Sailing" and "Basic Skills" (Levels 1 & 2) Adult syllabus.
On successful completion of this course you will be able to sail a dinghy in any direction and rig and launch in moderate weather conditions. The RYA Level 2 certificate is an Internationally recognised sailing qualification and an indication that the holder has a basic level of understanding and practical competency.
The syllabus covers practical sessions such as rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques and manoeuvres, ropework and capsize recovery. Background theory includes subjects such as "rules of the road", basic meteorology, clothing and equipment and emergency equipment.
Tuition is given by trained and qualified RYA dinghy instructors and assistant instructors with an emphasis on safety and fun. There will be Powerboats on the water at all times to ensure your safety afloat.
The course will be run over 2 Tuesday evenings and 2 weekends to give you maximum time to fulfil the requirements of the syllabus. It is really important that you can attend ALL of the practical and theory sessions as it is not guaranteed we can help you catch up with things missed.
Dates
Tuesday Theory evenings 7pm - 9.30pm
21st & 28th April 2026
Practical weekends 9am - 4pm
25/26 April & 2/3 May 2026
Please note that the minimum age for the RYA Adult courses is 16. There is no maximum age, but you need to be agile enough to move quickly around a small small mobile craft.
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We're very excited to be working once again in conjunction with Everyday Lifestyle to offer Stand Up Paddleboard sessions. The sessions will be run by accomplished ASI instructors with many years experience in stand up paddling.
The lessons are 2 hours long, for a maximum of 6 paddlers (per course) and are suitable for adults (over 16 years) of all abilities. For those not familiar with the lake at Otley, it's an enclosed flat water location that provides a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere full of natural beauty and wildlife.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the lesson starting.
What equipment do you provide & what do I need to bring?
You'll need to bring a swimsuit to go under the wetsuit, towel and footwear, either water shoes or old trainers.
All equipment will be provided - Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, paddles and a range of paddle boards with leash. We have a range of boards O'Shea, Starboard, Red Paddle and STX.
Is the Improvers course the right course for me?
If you can both stand up and steer reasonably well then the improvers course would be good for you. Rather than focusing on the basics, the improvers course teaches you how to paddle more effectively so you can go faster or further with less effort and also how to do better turns. On the other hand, if you are not yet confident standing and steering then the beginners course would be best for you.
For links to all of our upcoming SUP beginners sessions, SUP improvers sessions and SUP Yoga sessions please visit: Stand Up Paddleboard Training
30th June & 7th July 2026
4/5 & 11/12 July 2026
1st & 8th September 2026
5/6 & 12/13 September 2026
Registered Charity Number : 1160253
