Our program for our youngest sailors and sailors to be…. Fun on, in, and around the water, and the learning to sail follows.

Sea Squirts and Tigers and Lions are back! Immerse your children in our fun, friendly Sea Squirts, Tigers & Lions program with our Sunday sessions to give them a love of the sea and sailing, from an early stage.

Sundays commencing from April 19th 2026.

The Sunday Sessions will begin at 9.30am until 11.00am for Squirts, 11.30am until 1.00pm for Tigers 9.30 until 12.30 for Lions. RSGYC Members only.

(Please note Lions must have their own boat, or use of one. Club boats are available to rent).

Sailors must be fully dressed in appropriate and most importantly warm sailing clothing and ready to go afloat by 9.25am (Squirts and Lions) and 11.25am (Tigers).

Please note that places are limited, sailors should sign up ASAP to avoid disappointment.

For those who have sailed with us over the last few years, you know the drill – for those joining us this year, here is the score.

Ages (Squirts & Tigers) : 6 to 10 (no experience needed). Tigers, graduates of the Squirts or Tigers, and ready to make the move into sailing on their own in their boat. 

Lions – for those sailors graduating from Sea Tigers, with their own boat (or Club boat until they have their own), who are ready to take the next step in their sailing. The aim will be to learn the basics of sailing in the Optimist and prepare sailors to move up to the next Optimist training group. Lions will be able to move up when they can sail a triangle course safely, have demonstrated the confidence and ability to manage their boat in light to medium wind and wave conditions

Boats: we use a combination of Oppies, 1720’s, Stand Up Paddleboards, Ribs, and kayaks dependant on the conditions. 

Objective: a fun introduction to sailing, sea, and making friends at the Royal St George Y.C.

Required: wetsuit (full), life jacket, and suitable foot and headwear – a cag or waterproof coat too. If you need a wetsuit to get your sailor going, contact the Sailing Office and we will be able to rent a Club suit for May. 

Always on, even in bad weather, the programs will run – indoor and non-sailing activities such as kayaking and SUPing will happen in place of sailing.

Frequency: The key to learning sailing and water skills is the frequency, not the intensity of learning. This program does not substitute a Summer Sailing course but complements it perfectly by building confidence slowly and surely.

Our philosophy is all about giving your child a love of the sea and sailing while making friends in a fun environment. All the instructors are chosen because of their ability to connect with the kids and ensure learning in a fun /low-pressure environment.

WhatsApp

We know, not another WhatsApp Group! But to help us keep you up to date, please send your child’s name, your name, and your mobile number, and we will add you to the WhatsApp group for the Sea Squirts & Tigers to keep you up to date. 

Volunteers

Sea Squirts is run on 100% volunteer basis, and if you can support us, we would love your help. On our first Sunday morning, we can have a coffee and chat with the parents and share out the tasks.

Booking

Each month, you will get a booking link for the forthcoming 4/5 Sundays of the month. You can book as many or as few Sundays as you like. IF YOU HAVEN’T BOOKED, we will not be able to take your child sailing as we will have no waiver or proper contact details.

Sea Squirts & Tigers  – €20 Per Sailor p/ session
Sea Lions – €35 Per Sailor p/session

We look forward to meeting you again this year and to our Sea Squirts and Tigers having a brilliant season of fun, friendship, and sailing.

Please be advised: There will be no refund/s issued for missed sessions. Payments are non-refundable after one month of registration date due to the cancellation of courses in the event of bad weather.

Inquiries to: sailing@rsgyc.ie

Looking forward to seeing you on Sundays!

Please Book in advance.

The post 2026 Sea Squirts / Tigers / Lions appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

There will be an information evening in the club on April 16th to answer any questions parents may have prior to booking. Please take a moment to review the information below and read our FAQs before booking. 

Please also ensure you have read the club’s refund policy before booking any course.

June, July & August 2026 Junior Course Offerings 

The RSGYC will once again be offering Irish Sailing approved courses to junior sailors this summer, building on years of experience of fun, safety, and learning on the water. This year, courses are divided by week, offering maximum flexibility for parents, allowing sailors to come for any week that suits their schedule and work with their instructor to tick off their certificate requirements as they go. e.g., you could get half of your Basic Skills certificate in June and come back to finish it off in July! 

SUMMER COURSES BOOKING LINK

Dates of 2025 Courses:

* Four day week due to Bank Holiday 

Course Types

For each of the weeks listed above, the following classes will be available to book into: 

• Start Sailing. 09.30 – 16.30

This will be a sailors first formal sailing course. Sailors should have completed Sea Squirts and Sea Tigers Courses. Sailors will now start sailing their own boats and learning the ropes. They will learn how to be safe on and off the water, develop their water confidence, and learn to sail a simple course all with assistance from the instructor.  

• Basic Skills. 09.30 – 16.30

This course will progress from start sailing. Now that they can sail a basic courses, they will start to learn some Basic Skills. They will practice these maneuvers and skills to further their confidence and develop their boat handling and wind awareness. They will further their abilities and learn to sail a windward/leeward with minimal assistance.

• Improving Skills. 09.30 – 16.30

This course will progress from basic skills. Now that they have learned their basic skills, they can now start to improve these skills. Not only do they improve these skills, but they will develop new boat handling abilities. The main objective of this course is to become a fully independent sailor capable of sailing in a Force 4.  

• Advanced Boat Handling. 09.30 – 16.30

After sailors have proved their independence with winter/ evening training they can move on to Advanced Boat Handling. This course is not for the summer sailor as the boat handling and maneuvers require a high level of skill and regular practice. By the end of this course, sailors will be fully capable of sailing flat out in a Force 5 and deal with incidents that arise. 

• Start Racing. 09.30 – 16.30

This course is an introduction to racing skills! Here sailors will learn all the basic information and boat handling abilities they need to compete in races at club and inter-club level. Start sequences, different classes, racing courses, strategies, and tactics will all be covered.

Click here for full details from Irish Sailing on all of the above courses.

Boat Rental 

No boat? No problem! The Royal St George has a fleet of high quality rental boats (Rs Fevas, Optimists and ILCAs) that are available to rent through the summer course booking link. You will be asked if you would like to add this option onto your booking once you select which dates you are going to attend. Prices vary between boat and are listed. 

Other Course Information: 

Food and water

• Every sailor must bring their own water bottles filled and carry their own water bottles at all times both on and off the water. There is a water station at the Club as required.
• The Boardwalk Cafe is open every day with soup, sandwiches, drinks, and snacks available to purchase. Otherwise, sailors can bring their own lunch to camp. 

Communication with Parents

• Communication will be maintained with Parents via Email/WhatsApp Groups. There is a link to join a whatsapp group upon booking.
• If parents have any questions for instructors about their sailor’s progress or have any concerns this should be coordinated through our senior instructor (SI) by email (juniorsailing@rsgyc.ie)

Use of Club Facilities

• Toilets and changing rooms are available.
• The instructor’s office will be for the sole use of the SI’s only.
• No equipment is to be shared between sailors.
• It is the responsibility of each sailor to ensure their equipment is in working order.
• Anyone hiring a club boat will retain that boat for the duration of the course and collect/ check out the boat prior to Day 1.

Hygiene

Everyone must hand sanitize regularly and particularly in the following circumstances:

• When you arrive at the club
• After coughing or sneezing
• Before and after eating
• Before and after being on public transport.
• If your hands are dirty
• After toilet use.

On water safety

• We pride ourselves in excellent safety standards in the RSGYC. Each instructor will communicate safety protocols to sailors as needed and decide, with the input of the SI and sailing manager, whether to go afloat in light of current weather conditions. 

Additional Files

• RSGYC Code for Young People – Sport Ireland 2023 (agreement required when registering for a course)
• RSGYC Junior Summer Course Terms & Conditions 

FAQ’s

BOOKING LINK  

If you have any questions please email sailing@rsgyc.ie

The post 2026 Junior Summer Sailing Courses Coming Soon! appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

Sea Squirts, Tigers Lions are ready to go on the 14^th of September.  Immerse your children in our fun, friendly Sea Squirts, Tigers & Lions , Sunday sessions to give them a love of the sea and sailing, and build those life long friendships.

Sundays commencing in September running through to November

The Sunday Sessions will begin at 9.30am until 11.00am for Squirts, 11.30am until 1.00pm for Tigers 9.30 until 12.30 for Lions.

(Please note Lions must have their own boat, or use of one. Club boats are available to rent).

Sailors must be fully dressed in appropriate and most importantly warm sailing clothing and ready to go afloat by 9.25am (Squirts and Lions) and 11.25am (Tigers).

Please note that places are limited, sailors should sign up ASAP to avoid disappointment.

For those who have sailed with us over the last few years, you know the drill – for those joining us this year, here is the score.

Ages. For those with no or little experience. To help kids meet friends their own age kids 6-8 will join Squirts and  8-10 will join Tigers.

This year we are going help those kids who have being doing Squirts or Tigers for a while and would like to try sailing solo. The intention is that parents would let the coaches know their child is ready to try sailing solo for 15-20 minutes during the morning and the coaches would help them gain confidence doing this. They wont miss out on the fun of Squirts and Tigers for the rest of the morning.

Lions.  For those sailors graduating from Sea Tigers and Squirts, with their own boat (or Club boat until they have their own) who are ready to take the next step in their sailing. The aim will be to learn the basics of sailing in the optimist and prepare sailors to move up to the next optimist training group when they can sail a triangle course safely after demonstrating the confidence and ability to manage their boat in light to medium wind and wave conditions. It isn’t age restricted but the expectation is that the 8-10 yr old child will be more suitable for Lions but this is also dependant on confidence and ability so if a younger child is able and willing it may be considered.

Boats: while mostly in Oppies we may use the clubs 1720’s, Stand Up Paddleboards, Ribs, and kayaks dependant on the conditions. 

Required: wetsuit (full and properly fitted to ensure warmth), life jacket, suitable foot and headwear, sunscreen (weather dependant) – a cag or waterproof coat too. If you need a wetsuit to get your sailor going, contact the Sailing Office and we will be able to rent a Club suit for May. 

Bad weather: even in bad weather the programs will run – indoor and non-sailing activities such as kayaking and SUPing will happen in place of sailing.

Frequency: the key to learning sailing and water skills is the frequency not the intensity of learning. This program does not substitute a Summer Sailing course but compliment it perfectly by building confidence slowly and surely.

Our philosophy is all about giving your child a love of the sea and sailing while making friends in a fun environment. All the instructors are chosen because of their ability to connect with the kids and ensure learning in a fun /low-pressure environment.

WhatsApp

We know, not another WhatsApp Group! But to help us keep you up to date please send your child’s name, your name and mobile number and we will add you to the WhatsApp group for the Sea Squirts & Tigers to keep you up to date. If you wish to join the group, please contact 087 2590843.

Volunteers

Sea Squirts is run on 100% volunteer basis and if you can support us, we would love your help. At our first Sunday morning, we can have a coffee and chat with the parents and share out the tasks.

Booking

Each month you will get a booking link for the forthcoming 4/5 Sundays of the month. You can book as many or as few Sundays as you like. IF YOU HAVEN’T BOOKED, we will not be able to take your child sailing as we will have no waiver or proper contact details.

Sea Squirts & Tigers  – €20 Per Sailor p/ session
Sea Lions – €35 Per Sailor p/session

Non members: Members may bring down their friends and enjoy up to three Sundays to get a feel for sailing and the brilliant atmosphere of the club. Wetsuits and lifejackets are available to borrow.

The fee per session for non members is €40.00

We look forward to meeting you again this year and to our Sea Squirts and Tigers having a brilliant season of fun, friendship, and sailing.

Please be advised: There will be no refund/s issued for missed sessions. Payments are non-refundable after one month of registration date due to the cancellation of courses in the event of bad weather.

Inquiries to: sailing@rsgyc.ie

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

RSGYC Members Booking Link

RSGYC Guest Booking Link

The post Sea Squirts, Lions and Tigers are back! appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

Come join the Transition Year Sailing & Activity Programme 2025-26. If you are in TY from September, click on the ‘expression of interest link to learn about this fun and social programme.

The post TY Programme 2025/26 appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

June, July & August 2025 Junior Course Offerings 

The RSGYC is continuing to step up its Summer Junior training programme with Irish Sailing 2 week modules and Class-specific clinics in advance of upcoming events. REFUND POLICY

SUMMER COURSES BOOKING LINK

To book a Club boat and all other Junior course queries, please see links below.

SUMMER CLINICS BOOKING LINK   (Class Specific in advance of scheduled regattas)

Dates of 2025 Courses:

Course Alpha        June 9th – June 20th  (10 days €540)                               

Course Bravo        June 23rd – July 4th  (10 days €540)

Course Charlie      July 14th – July 25th  (10 days €540)                                

Course Delta         July 28th – August 8th (9 days €486)                                   

Course Echo          August 11th – August 15th  (5 days €270)                                 

The following  modules will be on offer:

• Start Sailing. This is a 2 week long course 09.30 – 16.30

This will be a sailors first formal sailing course. Sailors should have completed Sea Squirts and Sea Tigers Courses. Sailors will now start sailing their own boats and learning the ropes. They will learn how to be safe on and off the water, develop their water confidence, and learn to sail a simple course all with assistance from the instructor.  

• Basic Skills. This is a 2 week long course 09.30 – 16.30

This course will progress from start sailing. Now that they can sail a basic courses, they will start to learn some Basic Skills. They will practice these maneuvers and skills to further their confidence and develop their boat handling and wind awareness. They will further their abilities and learn to sail a windward/leeward with minimal assistance.

• Improving Skills. This is a 2 week long course 09.30 – 16.30

This course will progress from basic skills. Now that they have learned their basic skills, they can now start to improve these skills. Not only do they improve these skills, but they will develop new boat handling abilities. The main objective of this course is to become a fully independent sailor capable of sailing in a Force 4.  

• Advanced Boat Handling. This is a 2 week long course 09.30 – 16.30

After sailors have proved their independence with winter/ evening training they can move on to Advanced Boat Handling. This course is not for the summer sailor as the boat handling and maneuvers require a high level of skill and regular practice. By the end of this course, sailors will be fully capable of sailing flat out in a Force 5 and deal with incidents that arise. 

• Start Racing. This is a 2 week long course 09.30 – 16.30

This course is an introduction to racing skills! Here sailors will learn all the basic information and boat handling abilities they need to compete in races at club and inter-club level. Start sequences, different classes, racing courses, strategies, and tactics will all be covered.

• Adventure Skills. This is a week long course 09.30 – 16.30

This course will teach sailors new skills they will need in order to undertake longer trips and sail in stronger winds. This course will also develop a sailors sense of adventure and self-reliance. Sailors will learn the basics of chart work, pre-trip planning, equipment checks, and maintenance underway and ashore. Sailors will plan overnight trips with assistance from instructors.

Click here for full details from Irish Sailing on all of the above courses.

Sea Squirts and Sea Tigers 10.00 – 13.00 or 13.30 to 16.30

For our youngest sailors, Sea Squirts, 6 – 8 years of age there is no need to have their own boat – the use of a club boat is included in the price of the course.  When they reach 9, Sea Tigers, and have a suitable level of proficiency they can then begin to learn to transition to the various Irish Sailing modules and start completing their sailing passport.  At this stage a boat is a requirement and reliance on hiring a club boat should not be a given,  preference for rental of club boats will be given to Sea Squirts.  A boat, whether your own, rented or a club boat is a necessity!  

Sea Tigers can be offered to sailors from 8-10 years of age,  This course will be a taste of sailing with FUN on the water as the main priority. 

OPPIE RENTAL 

LASER RENTAL

FEVA RENTAL

Team Racing Clinics & Event Dates

These clinics are geared at team racing beginners looking to find out what team racing is and how it works. It will be done in a fun environment and be focused on teaching these new skills to sailors. Sailors must be at an “improving skills” level and should be comfortable with tacks, gybes, beats, runs and able to efficiently sail a course. Ability to self-launch and recover after capsizing is essential. The training will have a heavy focus on starts, racing tactics/strategy, event preparation. Club Fireflies will be used.

Dates to be confirmed

Optimist Pre- event Clinics & Event Dates 

Dates to be confirmed

ILCA Clinics & Event Dates 

Dates to be confirmed

Other Course Information: Launching and Returning to Base

• Sailors attending the clinics will launch their own boats and the SI will stack the trollies.
• All other non-clinic sailors will launch and stack their own trollies safely.

Food and water

• Every sailor must bring their own water bottles filled and carry their own water bottles at all times both on and off the water. There is a water station at the Club as required.
• The Boardwalk Cafe is open every day with soup, sandwiches, drinks, and snacks available to purchase.

Communication with Parents

• Communication will be maintained with Parents via Email/WhatsApp Groups.
• If parents have any questions for instructors about their sailor’s progress or have any concerns this should be coordinated through SI by email (juniorsailing@rsgyc.ie)

Use of Club Facilities

• Toilets and changing rooms are available.
• The instructor’s office will be for the sole use of the SI’s only.
• No equipment is to be shared between sailors.
• It is the responsibility of each sailor to ensure their equipment is in working order.
• Anyone hiring a club boat will retain that boat for the duration of the course and collect/ check out the boat prior to Day 1.

Hygiene

Everyone must hand sanitize regularly and particularly in the following circumstances:

• When you arrive at the club
• After coughing or sneezing
• Before and after eating
• Before and after being on public transport.
• If your hands are dirty
• After toilet use.

On the water safety

• Management of an unpredicted gust – All sailors should sail into the pond and wait till the SI calls them ashore.

Additional Files

• RSGYC Code for Young People – Sport Ireland 2023 (agreement required when registering for a course)
• RSGYC Junior Summer Course Terms & Conditons 

FAQ’s

Junior Summer 2025 FAQ’s

BOOKING LINK  

The post 2025 Junior Summer Sailing Courses appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

Gear up for the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals with the RSGYC’s Open ILCA clinic, led by our high-performance team of coaches, headed by Oisin Hughes. This is your chance to transition seamlessly from Opti to ILCA 4, ensuring you’re race-ready for the big event hosted by RSGYC at the end of April.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This:

Next Week: Perfect timing during the school’s midterm break.
Days 1 & 2: Master speed and boat handling techniques.
Days 3 to 5: Focus on racing skills and techniques, with a special emphasis on starts.
Open to all aspiring sailors, this is a golden opportunity to elevate your sailing game on the beautiful waters of Dublin Bay. Secure your spot today and sail your way to success!

Book Here

The post Gear up for the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals with the RSGYC’s Open ILCA Clinic! appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

We’re excited to announce three upcoming RS Feva Open Days, designed for Club Members and their guests who want to experience the thrill of sailing in this dynamic class. These Open Days are a fantastic way for sailors to explore RS Feva, with top-tier coaching available for all attendees.

Details:

Dates: Saturday, November 9th | Sunday, November 10th | Saturday, November 16th

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

What to Expect: Each session is led by expert Feva coaches who will guide sailors through an introduction to the class, provide coaching tips, and take them out on the water for an exhilarating experience. Sailors can try one session free of charge, offering the perfect opportunity to get a feel for RS Feva sailing with the guidance of our best coaches.

What to wear: Sailors should be dressed for November weather, full sailing gear, buoyancy aids, wetsuits or dry suits, hats, gloves etc. It will be colder afloat and sailors may be in the water. 

Whether you’re interested in discovering RS Feva or simply want to enjoy a day out on the water, don’t miss this opportunity to learn and experience all that this class has to offer!

Click here to register

The post RS Feva Open Days appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

We are delighted that Toby Hudson Fowler will be Lead Coach again for our 2024 RStGYC Topper Training Programme.

We intend to start this coming Sunday 14th for seven sessions.

The proposed dates are;

January 14 & 28.

February 04, 18 & 25.

March 10 & 24.

The format will be unchanged and will be as follows;

10:00 – Meet on forecourt. Rig & change

10:30 – Briefing

11:00 – Launch

13:00- Return To Slipway & Debrief

14:30- Depart

Book Here

The post 2024 Topper Training appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

Waiting to enter this year’s Volvo Regatta? These are the boat classes that have entered to date:

(Class – number of boats registered)

Beneteau 211 – 9
Beneteau 31.7 – 4
Cape 31 – 4
Conwy Fife – 0
Cruisers 0 (IRC > 0.980; LOA > 12m) – 10
Cruisers 1 (IRC > 0.980; LOA < 12m)  – 16
Cruisers 2 (IRC 0.913 – 0.979) – 9
Cruisers 3 (IRC 0.820 – 0.912) – 10
Cruisers 4 (IRC 0.770 – 0.819) – 0
Dragon – 14
Dublin Bay 21 – 0
Fireball – 5
Flying Fifteen – 9
Glen – 3
GP14 – 14
Howth 17 – 0
IDRA 14 – 3
ILCA 6 – 3
ILCA 7 – 0
J/80 – 3
Melges 15 – 0
Mermaid – 5
Mixed Sportsboats – 2
Myth  – 1
Non-Spinnaker Cruiser 0 (LOA >12m) – 0
Non-Spinnaker Cruiser 1 (LOA <12m) – 13
Offshore Class 0 (>12m) – 1
Offshore Class 1 (<12m) – 5
RS 21 – 2
RS Aero – 0
RS Elite – 0
Ruffian 23 – 4
SB20 – 6
Seabird Half Rater – 0
Shipman – 4
Sigma 33 – 9
Squib – 3
Water Wag – 9
Wayfarer – 4

It’s your last chance to get your Early Bird Discount! Offer ends at Midnight 31st March 2023

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

The post Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta 2023 – Entries so far… appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.

The Royal St. George Yacht Club is excited to announce its support of a new & ambitious
concept Youth Foiling Club Programme with the goal of being Ireland’s first ever team in the
Youth America’s Cup.

The Youth Foiling initiative led by Club member and foiling champion, Charlie Cullen, plans to be a catalyst to increase foiling participation. It aims to provide a possible pathway for U25 athletes in Ireland into professional sailing with the ultimate goal to produce Ireland’s first-ever Youth America’s Cup sailors in Barcelona 2024. This aims to be an all-Ireland programme, taking a gender-equal approach.

If you are an Irish sailor, born after the 12th of October 1998 and want to get involved, send your sailing CV and a short motivational letter to sailingmanager@rsgyc.ie

Applications close 16th of January 2023.

Click here to check out the Article by Afloat

The post Youth Foiling Club Programme – Youth America’s Cup appeared first on Royal St George Yacht Club.