We were delighted to welcome sailors back to Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School Junior Club for the first time since before our busy summer season, and it proved to be a fantastic start. The harbour has been full of life over the past two Saturdays as each age group enjoyed a variety of engaging sessions designed to build confidence, skills and a love of the water.
The programme runs every Saturday until December 20th, with two sessions available to choose from. The morning session takes place from 10 am to 1 pm and the afternoon session runs from 2 pm to 5 pm. Open to sailors of all abilities aged 4 to 17, the programme is still accepting bookings for the remainder of the term, and we warmly welcome new members.
Here is a little about what our groups have been up to in their first few sessions.
Our youngest members, the Sea Explorers (aged 4 to 6), began their term on the beach. They collected shells and learned about food chains, limpets and sea snails. The group also explored the importance of buoyancy aids before heading out on the water to watch the older groups sailing. To finish their session, they had the chance to hold baby crabs and listen to a story. These activities offered a gentle introduction to the marine environment while helping the children build their first steps in water confidence.
The Sea Explorers – Go Sailing group (aged 6 to 7) built on this by combining theory with practical experience. After investigating shells and food chains, they took to the water in Optimists, where they were introduced to the basics of boat balance and steering with the tiller. This gave them their first real sense of handling a boat.
Sailors in the 8 to 10 age group took further steps into practical sailing. Their session began with icebreakers before moving on to rigging and tacking drills on the pontoon. They then headed out on the water for a reaching course, putting their new techniques into practice. At this stage, independence and decision making skills begin to grow as sailors start to manage their boats with greater confidence.
The 11 to 14 group also began with rigging drills on the pontoon before setting off for a sail in Coal Harbour. This session focused on developing boat speed, control and teamwork, all of which are vital for progressing towards more advanced sailing.
Sailors in the 11-14s group sailing a Topper
The 15 to 17 group combined a wide range of activities. After icebreakers and a series of rigging, tacking and spinnaker drills, they set off on a harbour tour by kayak, exploring both the inner harbour and Coal Harbour. Their session concluded with a paddle and time on the mega SUPs. This mix of focused skill development and varied water activities helps them grow into confident and adaptable sailors.
Junior Club members taking to the water in kayaks
Glyn Williams, Operations Manager at the INSS, said: “It has been wonderful to see Junior Club return with such energy and enthusiasm. The harbour has been alive with activity and it is clear that our sailors are gaining not only skills but also real enjoyment on the water. The programme is about more than just sailing, it is about building confidence, encouraging teamwork and creating a lifelong connection with the sea. We are very proud of the start we have made this season and look forward to seeing our sailors continue to progress.”
The first few sessions back clearly demonstrated how Junior Club supports progression at every level. From discovering marine life to mastering advanced sailing techniques, the programme ensures that each sailor is challenged appropriately while enjoying their time on the water. It has been a strong start to what promises to be a rewarding and exciting season.
It is not too late to sign up for the rest of the term. Just drop us an email at [email protected] or call us on +353 1 284 4195. You can also find out more on our website at inss.ie!
Mega SUPs being used by the older age groups
