Keelboat

Keelboats are the largest of the small sailing boats and designed to be sailed by two or more people. They tend to be dryer and more stable than dinghies and multihulls, due to the weighted keel under the hull which reduces the likelihood of the boat capsizing.

You will find many of the same controls as on a dinghy, but with extra equipment you’d find on sailing yachts, such as winches. Keelboats bridge the gap between small boats and cruisers, offering the benefits of both to beginners learning to sail.

Our sailing courses are run on our fleet of J70 boats which are perfect for beginners and skilled sailors alike.

Level 1: Start sailing

A course for complete beginners specific to learning to sail a keelboat under supervision, teaching you how to leave and return, to sail on all points of sail, tacking and gybing in light winds.

• No previous experience required
• Duration: 2 days, 16 hours or equivalent number of sessions
• Recommended age 16+ years (under 16s may prefer to learn through the Youth Sailing Scheme)
• Maximum 4 persons per course
• €170 per person for members; €200 per person for non-members

Level 2: Basic Skills

Fine tune the basics, and build confidence increasing knowledge in rigging, sailing on all points and developing essential safety knowledge. Includes rigging, leaving the shore and making decisions in good conditions.

• Skills to the standard of RYA Keelboat Level 1 certificate
• Duration: 2 days, 16 hours or equivalent number of sessions
• Recommended age 16+ years (under 16s may prefer to learn through the Youth Sailing Scheme)
• Maximum 4 persons per course
• €170 per person for members; €200 per person for non-members

Level 3: Better Sailing

Improve your keelboat sailing, consolidating Level 1 & 2 skills and trying new ones in a variety of conditions.

• Prerequisite courses are Level 1 and Level 2
• Recommended for ages 16+ years
• Maximum 6 students per course
• €170 per person for members and €200 for non-members

Sailing with Spinnakers