The RYA Youth Sailors Scheme (for ages 8–16) is designed to provide an introduction to sailing in easy stages.
Beginner (Stages 1 and 2) covers basic skills required to sail a boat.
Improver (Stages 3 and 4) develops the skills and confidence of the individual and prepares them for the advanced skill modules.
We offer 2-day, 3-day and 5-weekday long courses (All non-residential). One 2-day or 3-day course will advance you one Stage, a 5-day course covers Stages 1 & 2
We may take nine pupils on each course, but normally regard a course as “full” when six people have booked. Each course is run by a fully RYA-qualified Instructor, with a safety boat in attendance. More than one course may be running at the same time.
Depending on the numbers, age, size, competence and confidence of the pupils, the course will use any or all of:
a) our Oppie dinghies (a small singlehander dinghy especially designed for teaching children – great fun to sail – even for adults!)
b) Toppers – probably the best beginner singlehander dinghy for the larger child
c) Coypus – safe stable and reliable two- or three-child training boats with a jib (and an optional spinnaker)
d) Wayfarers – large dinghies that can take up to four children with an Instructor on board as well.
Dates – see this year’s Programme
Summer holiday beginners course programme is set in advance and places can generally be booked from Easter onwards. Other courses are arranged in response to demand and appear on the programme only when they have been arranged.
Prices (2024 onward)
Youth, non-residential, short courses
Stage 1: (2 days, 9.00 am till 5.00 pm)
£131 per child per course
Stage 2: (2 days, 9.00 am till 5.00 pm)
£132 per child per course
Stage 3: (3 days)
£174 per child per course
Stage 4: (3 days)
£174 per child per course
Youth 5-day (non residential) courses
9.30 am till 5.00 pm for five weekdays
Beginner – Stages 1 & 2 combined (5 days)
£263 per child per course
Note it is advisable to gain some additional practice before moving from Stage 2 to the higher Stages.
This can be done through our supervised practice sessions (q.v.) if desired.
For teenagers who already hold Stage3-Stage 4, the next steps include accessing the (Adult) Better Sailing Level 3 course, and the Advanced courses (which are not scheduled in advance but arranged in response to demand)
To book any session, please email bookings@btac-services.co.uk or ring the Centre (01692 536411) and tell them which dates you would prefer.
Course capacity is limited, but if we cannot fit you in on the date you want, we can try to arrange another date.
A booking form can be downloaded from http://www.btac-services.co.uk/activity_booking_form_for_individuals.pdf
Barton Turf Adventure Centre is an RYA Recognised Training Centre operating from Barton Turf, Norfolk and teaching practical courses on Barton Broad and contiguous waters. Qualifications gained are based on assessed competence, not merely attendance. Practical sailing course are taught on the basis of one Instructor per 9 students maximum (in accordance with RYA standards) although 1:6 is more normal. If you have a logbook to record you achievements and experience, please bring it to the course; if not, one will be provided as part of the course. Other training materials may be available at extra cost.