Training at KWSC, an RYA Training Centre

KWSC offers a number of training courses for people with varying levels of sailing experience from complete beginners to more seasoned sailors. Our instructors are all RYA qualified and are members who offer their time freely. We run as many courses as we can during the year but regret that due to limited time and resources we can only offer training courses to members. However, if you have never sailed and would like a taster of what it would be like before joining the club and taking a course, one of the training team will happily take you out for a trial sail.

We teach Adults and Young Sailors with youngsters following the RYA Young Sailors Scheme Stages 1-4.

Course dates and application forms (for members only please) can be found below.

Race Officer Training or 'A Day with Ernie'

At Kielder we encourage members to have a go at racing whatever their ability. It's fun and is an excellent way to improve your sailing skills in a friendly environment. To offer racing we rely not only on members doing a duty in a patrol boat but also as race officers and assistants. If you are interested in joining our team of Race Officers and assistants then we invite you to come along on Sunday 11th March for 'A day with Ernie'. Starting at 9.30am and continuing until about 4pm (bring your own lunch; the club will provide hot drinks and Ernie will bring the biscuits and milk). There is no charge but a contribution of a log for the fire would be appreciated.

Ernie says 'Many people are very nervous about doing Race Officer duties and my aim is to break down these fears in a calm and relaxed atmosphere so that they will not shy away and might even enjoy doing their duty.' The day will include preparation of patrol and committee boats. race office, radios, signing on procedures; course setting; starting sequences, including practice (on land) and information about the racing charter, sailing instructions and notices of race.

If you want to come along to 'A day with Ernie' please let Julie know by Wednesday 7th March.

Dinghy - Training Courses and Dates 2012

We offer the full range of RYA Dinghy Courses - this year we currently have scheduled the following courses and dates (with application forms for members below the table):

For those of you with some experience and looking to develop your skills further the club offers the RYA course covering: Start Racing, Seamanship Skills, Day Sailing, Sailing with Spinnakers and Performance Sailing. We offer these on a demand basis and usually schedule one or two courses a year.

Applications forms (pdf format) for courses can be found here.

If you would like to discuss training issues please contact Julie Gibbon. If you are a member and would like to book places on any of the above courses please complete the relevant forms using the details above.

Please note that because our training is run by qualified members on a voluntary basis we are unable to offer any training to non-members. We are also unable to offer training to visitors on holiday in the area, and suggest you visit the web sites of Hawkhirst Adventure Camp and the Calvert Trust to see if they can help.

Windsurfing Training Courses

We offer RYA Start Windsurfing Courses for beginners and Windsurfing Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 for youngsters. A course is running on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July. Members please complete the relevant form as detailed above.

PowerBoat Training Courses

We offer PowerBoat RYA training at Levels 1 and 2 (combined) and Safety Boat. Dates to be arranged. If interested please contact Julie Gibbon.

First Aid - Training Courses and Dates

We generally run one RYA first aid course every year which usually takes place in January. Please contact Julie Gibbon if interested.