This weekend saw the start of the yearly RYA course organized by Sidmouth Sailing Club, writes Simon White.

The event is organized and overseen by principal training officer Scott Tobin and takes place over two weekends during the summer.

This training enables those new to sailing to gain some recognized RYA training and instruction. On successful completion of the four-day training, students will be awarded a recognized RYA sailing certificate.

The conditions on Saturday were ideal with light southwesterly winds, warm sunshine and a flat sea.

The morning session commenced with some classroom theory followed by land-based instruction on boat rigging and sailing drills.

The students then took to the water using various club dinghies such as Toppers, RS Fevas, RS Vision and RS Qubas to put into practice some of the earlier morning theory.

The sailing club was very busy over the penultimate weekend of June with vice commodore Ady Moreton and Steve Beard assisting the junior members of the club to get together and put their raft making skills to the test.

It proved to be a fun morning enjoyed by all with several prototypes tested on the water in preparation for Sidmouth Regatta raft race in August.

Sunday again saw a fine day with light winds and a flat sea. The students were afloat early to practise further skills, including how to sail a triangular course and how to complete one of the most difficult exercises to grasp - that of mastering the gybe.

Students at all times were under the guidance and watchful eye of qualified RYA instructors.

Students return for their next training weekend on July 7 and 8.

New members are always welcome and further information can be found at www.sidmouthsailing.org.uk