Training Programme
The summer training programme at Loch Earn Sailing Club covers RYA youth and adult dinghy sailing certifications as well as courses for RYA Powerboat Handling and RYA First Aid. Both members and non-members are welcome on the courses below, and students will be accepted as long as instructor-to-student ratios can be maintained on each course.
Practical course work is done in the club’s boats with classroom elements led in the clubhouse. Courses will run no matter the weather, so attendees are encouraged to be ready for all weathers. All practical elements on-the-water are controlled, safe and enjoyable with RYA certified instructors in the club’s RIB rescue boats.
In addition to the intensive courses, the LESC Training Team offers at least one, but often two, Sunday Morning Training Sessions per month during the sailing season where members can work towards certifications or just spend time on the water under the watchful eye of the RYA certified LESC Training Team. Junior sailors, in particular, are encouraged to compete in the Robertson Cup Regatta every July, as well as the John McDonald and Spooky Magic race series run after each Sunday Morning Training Session.
For exact dates of all these events, see the Calendar.
Summer Training Courses
LESC’s Summer Training courses are open to the public and in addition to Sunday Morning training sessions for members (see Calendar).
Dinghy Sailing
Learning in a dinghy is a great way to start sailing. Single-handers (boats sailed by one person) can be the quickest way to learn. At LESC we offer RYA Youth Stages 1-4, Adult Levels 1-3, and Advanced Courses such as Sailing with Spinnakers and Performance Sailing as needed!
Powerboat Handling Lvl II
With no prior experience required, Powerboat Lvl II provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.
First Aid (for Instructors)
This one-day course covers everything you need to know from a boating perspective and is recognised as HSE “Emergency First Aid at Work”. The course is MCA approved and is a requirement for those looking to undertake RYA Instructor endorsements.
Adult and Junior Dinghy Sailing Courses
LESC builds classes based on applications for RYA Dinghy Sailing Youth Stages 1-4, Adult Levels 1-3, and Advanced Courses as needed. Once a minimum number of applicants for a particular class have been received, applicants will be notified and payment requested.
Experience
None*
Minimum Age
8 years+
Dates
Mon – Fri; second full week in July
Hours
09:30 – 16:30++
* Participants should be confident/comfortable in the water
+ As of Training Week start date. Loch Earn Sailing Club has adopted an RYA ‘Safe and Fun’ child protection policy. There will be a Child Welfare Officer available for the whole of Training Week. For more information about LESC’s Safeguarding policies, see Safeguarding.
++ First day (Monday) begins with registration from 08:30.
Content
Varies depending on applicants and weather conditions but RYA National and Youth Scheme certification is the aim
format
Predominantly afloat but with some classroom elements
Required Gear
Trainees must bring their own suitable clothing for the course. Loch Earn is remarkably cold all year long so a well-fitting full wetsuit (or even a drysuit on colder summer days), spray top and dinghy sailing boots are highly recommended. Trainees also need a well fitting bouyancy aid designed for sailing. The club has only a few to lend. LOMO in Glasgow is a quick and affordable resource for basic gear. The Training Principal at principal@lochearnsc.com can assist with gear advice if needed.
Changing facilities and hot showers are available in the clubhouse. Space for tents and small campervans is available if booked on application form.
Personal boats are welcome from all attendees and non-member boats can be stored at LESC for the week. Please arrange storage of any non-member boats in advance with the Training Principal at principal@lochearnsc.com.
Cost
LESC does not aim to turn a profit with this event. See Fees page for current info.
application
Applications open 1 May for members;
15 May for non-members
If you have any questions about this course or the application process, please reach out to the Training Principal at principal@lochearnsc.com.
Powerboat Handling Level II Course
LESC runs an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Handling course.
Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place.
Experience
None*
Minimum Age
16+
Dates
Fri – Sun of weekend before the Dinghy Courses
Hours
Fri 1800 – 2100
Sat – Sun 0930 – 1630
* Participants should be confident/comfortable in the water
+ As of Training Week start date. Loch Earn Sailing Club has adopted an RYA ‘Safe and Fun’ child protection policy. There will be a Child Welfare Officer available for the whole of Training Week. For more information about LESC’s Safeguarding policies, see Safeguarding.
Content
Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, and man overboard.
See RYA course info page for details including the course brochure.
Book required for the course will be provided.
format
Predominantly practical but with some classroom elements
CERTIFICATE ISSUING CRITERIA
Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of the craft
Required Gear
Trainees must bring their own suitable clothing for the course. Loch Earn is remarkably cold all year long so a spray top and dinghy sailing boots are highly recommended. Trainees also need a well fitting bouyancy aid. The club has only a few to lend. LOMO in Glasgow is a quick and affordable resource for basic gear. The Training Principal at principal@lochearnsc.com can assist with gear advice if needed.
Changing facilities and hot showers are available in the clubhouse. Space for tents and small campervans is available if booked on application form.
Cost
LESC does not aim to turn a profit with this event. See Fees page for current info.
application
Applications open 1 May for members;
15 May for non-members
If you have any questions about this course or the application process, please reach out to the Training Principal at principal@lochearnsc.com.
First Aid Course
As part of Summer Training Programme, LESC runs this course on Saturday before the Dinghy Sailing Courses begin and it is open to all, BUT places are extremely limited and LESC’s instructors receive priority placement.
This one-day course covers everything you need to know from a boating perspective and is recognised as HSE “Emergency First Aid at Work”. It is valuable for anyone who supports sailors on and off the water. The course is MCA approved and is a requirement for those looking to undertake RYA Instructor endorsements. A great general first aid course for anyone.
Experience
None
Minimum Age
None+
Dates
18 May, 2025; Sunday before Dinghy Sailing Courses
Hours
0930 – 1630
+ Loch Earn Sailing Club has adopted an RYA ‘Safe and Fun’ child protection policy. There will be a Child Welfare Officer available for the whole of Training Week. For more information about LESC’s Safeguarding policies, see Safeguarding.
Content
The recovery position in a confined space, CPR, including the drowning protocol, cold shock and hypothermia fromimmersion and/or exposure, seasickness and dehydration, medical assistance or advice by VHF, helicopter rescue.
format
This course is classroom based
CERTIFICATE ISSUING CRITERIA
To achieve a working knowledge of first aid for people using small craft and to be able to support skippers of yachts and motor vessels.
Cost
LESC does not aim to turn a profit with this event. See Fees page for current info.
application
Contact the Training Team to apply
If you have any questions about this course or the application process, please reach out to the Training Principal at principal@lochearnsc.com.