Try-a-sail explained: The Try-a-sail sessions came to success during the Sea Bangor Festival. Over the last few years this festival saw hundreds of children of school age try sailing for the first time. As well as this, at Ballyholme Yacht Club, we used our own model to replicate the success and get more people into sailing. This was done in April 2011 as a charity Try-a-sail for Help for Heroes as well as in August 2011. The sessions are an ideal opportunity for giving people a good safe and fun introduction to sailing. It is all about getting out there, trying something new, spending time in a different environment and enjoying the water.
Instructors: All our instructors are RYA (Royal Yachting Association) trained and certified. We use those qualified and experienced in Safetyboat driving and first aid as well as sailing.
Location: Ballyholme Yacht Club is an RYA Recognised Training Centre. You are insured while you are here participating in our programmes. We are ideally situated in a sheltered bay with a sandy sea-bed on Belfast Lough.
What to expect: We will look after you from when you arrive at BYC until when you finish your session. We will explain safety procedures, how to gear up, what boats you will be sailing in and we will give you an experience on the water. All our sessions are aimed at being fun and safe. We also hope that you will take away some new knowledge of the sea and appreciation for our natural environment.
What is provided: we provide wet-suits, spray jackets and buoyancy aids, boats and all the instruction. There are hot showers, changing rooms and toilets as well an indoor area to be based in should some people prefer not to go on the water. There are coffee and snacks machines also. All those sailing will be in boats with instructors and rescue cover will be provided too of course.
What to bring: A list of what people need to bring will to them once a provisional booking has been made.
For groups: If you request we can provide you with a thorough risk assessment and a letter / consent form, that you can edit if you so choose. We ask that people / groups arrange their own transport to and from BYC. Group leaders are encouraged to participate fully in the sailing session.
Where to find out more information: just email alice@ballyholme.com or call Alice on 07546198939
