Activity Overview: Sailing

Sailing

Sailing is a multi disciplined activity, offering continuing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Under the guidance of its national governing body, the Royal Yachting Association, the activity is taught through recognised sailing schools and enthusiasts generally follow up their chosen branch of sailing through the many sailing clubs available.

Sailing venues may vary from sheltered inland ponds to exposed coastal locations.

Aberdeenshire offers a wide variety of sailing opportunities through sailing schools, yacht clubs, Sea Cadets and Yacht Clubs Loch of Skene, Peterhead, Knockburn Loch, Banff Harbour are some of the popular sailing destinations.

Training and Ratio Matrix

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training Information can be found here: RYA Training

Young persons wishing to enter the pathway for sailing, powerboating or windsurfing can be found here: RYA Get started in boating! 

Ratios for Qualifications

Dinghy and Keelboat

• Crewed dinghies: 3:1 for beginners with instructor on board. Maximum 9:1 but not more than six boats per instructor (eg. three Wayfarers with three students in each, or four Picos with two students in each)

• Single handed dinghies: 6:1 (applies only whilst the boats are used as single handers)

• Keelboats: 4:1 (instructor on board). One instructor must be responsible for no more than nine students (eg. three boats with three students in each)

• Assistant instructors: An assistant instructor counts as qualified in the ratios up to Level 2, but must work under the direction and direct supervision of an instructor or Senior Instructor
• Windsurfing 6:1
• Powerboat 3:1

Risk Assessment

Exemplar risk assessment: Sailing

Partnerships

Live Life Outdoors work in partnership with the following approved providers who deliver sailing:

• Aberdeenshire Sailing Trust
• Splash