What to expect
Shadowfax Racing runs two sail racing programmes a year, comprising a series of weekend training days in the Spring, Summer and Autumn months on 33ft yachts called Sigma 33s. Each boat takes a team of 7-8 people with 3-4 sailing instructors and 4 trainees per boat. Trainees are allocated a boat and team on the first day of the programme and usually stay in this team for the remainder of the programme. The charity usually runs 3 boats each programme and each week we run friendly race activities between the boats. On the final weekend, we enter the boats into a public race where the trainees can put their new skills to the test.
Our sailing programme is taught using language that is suitable for a complete novice. We’ll cover the key points in a way that makes learning to sail and race fun. It is also very hands on - YOU will be sailing the boat! Trainees will have a chance to try all roles on the boat, from steering the boat, setting the sails and navigation.
Over the duration of the course we’ll cover the following objectives, but don’t worry, all the terms will be explained in plain English!
Our sailing programme is taught using language that is suitable for a complete novice. We’ll cover the key points in a way that makes learning to sail and race fun. It is also very hands on - YOU will be sailing the boat! Trainees will have a chance to try all roles on the boat, from steering the boat, setting the sails and navigation.
Over the duration of the course we’ll cover the following objectives, but don’t worry, all the terms will be explained in plain English!
- The Sailing Rules of the Road
- The 5 Essentials
- Leaving and returning to the shore safely
- Boat Handling
- Principles of racing
A typical day
- Travel to Hamble River which is located between Southampton and Portsmouth
- Arrive for a welcome meeting / pre-sailing briefing
- Get changed and set up boats
- Set sail up River Hamble into the Solent (the sea between the south coast and the Isle of Wight)
- Go sailing and learn to sail and race
- Return to shore and put away the boats
- Get changed and have a sailing de-brief
- Travel back home
