Please Note: Members should contact Junior Organiser prior to booking to avail of Member Discount code. Discounts can not be applied after purchase

Junior Sailing 2026, Levels 1 to 4

Course Booking Changes for 2026, Please Read Carefully

There is an important change to the booking process for 2026.

This year, junior courses are booked in single weeks. This is to provide families with more flexibility around holidays, other camps, and summer plans.

However, while you can book week by week, sailors must attend at least 10 days, 2 weeks, of training to be considered for progression or certification at their level. Progression is based on both:

• attendance of at least 10 days, and
• demonstration of the required skills and standard

Attendance alone does not guarantee progression.

This booking page is for Course 1 only, Levels 1 to 4.
Separate booking pages apply for Course 2, Cara na Mara, Adventure Week, and Teen Week.

Welcome to the 2026 Blessington Lakes Sailing Club Junior Sailing Programme. We are delighted to welcome both returning sailors and those joining us for the first time. Our aim is to provide a fun, safe, and engaging learning experience on the water, while helping each sailor build skills and confidence at the right level.

How booking works

1. Complete your registration on this page
2. Within a few days, an invoice will be issued
3. You may then make stage payments against that invoice
4. This invoice-based booking method will remain open to members until mid-April
5. After mid-April, bookings will move to pay-in-full at the time of booking by credit card

Discounts for eligible members, family members, own-boat users, and Shore Parent support will be applied through the invoicing process where applicable.

General Course Information

Schedule

Courses run Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 16:30.

Ages

Participants must be between 9 and 18 years old.

Swimming Requirement

All applicants must be confident in the water.

Progression

Participants must have completed and passed the previous level before enrolling in the next. If you are unsure which level is appropriate, please contact us before booking.

Irish Sailing Accreditation

All courses, except where otherwise noted, follow Irish Sailing standards and qualification pathways.

Course Duration and Certification

Each booking is for 1 week.

To be considered for Irish Sailing certification or progression, sailors must:

• attend at least 2 weeks / 10 days
• demonstrate the required skills and competence for that level

Certificates are awarded based on skill recognition, not attendance alone.

Participation

All courses are open to Blessington Sailing Club members and non-members.

Equipment

Sailors must have:

• a wetsuit
• a buoyancy aid
• appropriate footwear

Boats are included in the course cost. However, if a sailor has access to their own boat, they are encouraged to use it, and an €80 discount per week is available.

Safety and Daily Logistics

Children should arrive already dressed in sailing gear and should leave in a dry robe or similar warm clothing.

Parents/guardians are responsible for providing:

• lunch
• snacks
• drinks for the day

A text alert will issue by 9:00 PM the night before if sailing is cancelled due to weather.

Weather Policy

Sailing is weather-dependent. Courses will run according to prevailing conditions and will not be rescheduled due to bad weather.

Pre-Requisites and Skill Development

All activities have pre-requisites based on age and/or sailing ability.

Sailors are encouraged to sail outside of course time where possible and to maintain a logbook to help track their development and progress.

Special Programme Option

Junior Summer Programme participants in Levels 1 to 4 are welcome to attend Wednesday Evening Members Club Sailing during their course, under their parents’ supervision.

Please note:

• parents must remain onsite
• safety cover is provided on the water
• there are no instructors on shore

Booking and Refunds

Refunds will only be issued in accordance with the club’s cancellation policy.

Separate bookings are required for:

• each child
• each course
• each week booked

What You Will Confirm During Registration

As part of the registration process, you will be asked to confirm:

• your membership type
• whether the sailor will be using their own boat
• if using their own boat, the boat type and insurance status
• agreement to club rules, safety guidelines, and cancellation policy

Please note again: after registration is submitted, an invoice will be issued within a few days, and payment can then be made against that invoice in stages.

Course Fees

The 2026 course fee is €285 per 1-week course.

There is no separate boat hire charge.

Discounts are available for:

• junior members
• family members
• sailors using their own boat

For members booking during the invoice phase, discounts will be applied to invoices after booking.

Discounts

Own Boat Discount, €80 per week
If you avail of this discount, the sailor must use their own boat for the course. The boat must be insured, seaworthy, and in good repair. Evidence may be required.

Junior Member Discount, €25 per week
To avail of this discount, the sailor must be a 2026 Junior Member.

Family Member Discount, €45 per week
To avail of this discount, the sailor must be part of a 2026 Family Membership.

Shore Parent Discount
A discount may also apply where a parent commits to Shore Parent duties. Full details are outlined below.

Course Levels Overview

Start Sailing, Level 1

Builds on the Taste of Sailing foundation.

Covers:

• rigging
• knot tying
• launching and recovery
• capsize recovery
• awareness of weather, tides, and communication safety protocols

Basic Skills, Level 2

Requires completion of Start Sailing.

Focuses on:

• more independent sailing in light winds
• boat control
• tacking
• gybing
• wind awareness

Improving Skills, Level 3

Requires completion of Basic Skills and a season of sailing experience.

Introduces:

• racing techniques
• more advanced sailing skills
• safety measures for more moderate conditions

Advanced Skills, Level 4

Advanced Boat Handling
Designed for sailors sailing in stronger winds. Focuses on advanced tuning and handling techniques.

Kites and Wires / Go Racing
An introduction to racing techniques and local club competition. Requires prior completion of Improving Skills.

Adventure Sailing
Prepares sailors for longer trips and more advanced conditions. Requires Improving Skills or equivalent experience.

Membership and Club Activities

To get the most from the sailing programme, sailors are encouraged to take part in Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening club activities from the start of the season. These give additional time on the water and help sailors grow in confidence and competence.

For non-members, Cadet Membership is available for junior sailors who would like to continue sailing beyond their course.

Member participants are encouraged to take part in regular club sailing activities to build experience outside the formal course structure.

Blessington Lakes Sailing Club reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient numbers, in which case a full refund will be issued.

We look forward to welcoming your young sailors to Blessington Lakes Sailing Club in 2026.

Shore Parent Guide

Being a Shore Parent is a voluntary role within the club and offers a helpful way to support the smooth running of the junior programme while staying onsite during camp.

It is a light-support role and not an instructional or first aid role.

Shore Parent Responsibilities

As a Shore Parent, you may be asked to:

• be a supportive adult presence onsite in case of emergency
• help keep shared areas clean and tidy after breaks and lunch
• help maintain order in the clubhouse while sailors are on the water
• reassure and assist any child who feels unwell, cold, or nervous, for example helping them get warm or settled

You are not responsible for first aid. All instructors are fully qualified.

You should not be in the clubhouse while sailors are inside, except:

• when helping during lunch breaks, or
• when asked to do so by an instructor

Arrival and Check-In

On arrival, please report to the Senior Instructor or designated Shore Co-ordinator for that week.

Shore Parent Time Slots

Morning Slot: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Afternoon Slot: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Please wear the high-visibility vest provided.

Important Notes

• A Shore Parent roster will be organised closer to the start of the course
• Full details will be shared with participating families in advance
• Instructors remain responsible for all major duties and operational supervision
• This is a voluntary role, but it is very helpful to the club
• Where a parent can commit to Shore Parent duties, a discount may be applied to course fees

What’s in It for You

• an opportunity to see your child’s progress
• some quiet time in a lovely lakeside setting
• a chance to support the club community in a practical way

Please note there is no office or desk space in the clubhouse.

Thank you for your support. It makes a real difference to the running of the programme.

For any questions, please contact the Senior Instructor or Shore Co-ordinator.