EVENTS & NEWS
A Guide To Paddlesport
Easter Sailing in Devon / Cornwall
Sailing
Yacht Cruising
We usually organise several weekend cruises and two week-long cruises (one around the UK and one in a sunnier climate) each year. Cruising has a relaxed atmosphere most of the time. Mostly, we charter 11-13 metre yachts with 6-8 berths, onboard toilets ("heads" in nautical terminology) and cooking facilities. Yachts have been referred to as "caravans on water"! Despite this description they can provide some wonderful experiences; the dawn over a distant coast, dolphins playing with your wake etc. The ocean sailors regularly see whales but we don't go that far out to sea! We balance the calm and isolation of anchoring in a deserted bay with the more social mooring in a marina and going ashore for a drink or two. We have several Coastal Skippers and Day Skippers to draw from and there are lots of experienced crew. Novices are welcome whether you simply want to get a taste of what sailing is like or you want to gain more experience. For the latter we can, if you want, provide an experience similar to what you would find on a RYA course although we must stress that we are not an accredited centre and would always recommend that you should undertake official training at one. Our emphasis is on safety, fun and learning. On the sunnier climate cruises comfort takes a high priority too. We try to balance our trips between the warm climate, "floaty, boaty" trips and more challenging trips in less clement weather. We also have some weekend trips where the emphasis is on skills. In the last two years we have sailed from Portsmouth to Falmouth on the South Coast and from Alcudia in Mallorca. Our destinations have included the Scilly Isles, the Channel Islands, Cherbourg and Menorca. Ideas for future trips include North Wales, Scotland, The Isle of Man and Ireland or South Wales, Lundy Island and Ireland. Suggestions are welcome. | ![]() |
Dinghy Sailing
The club is starting to organise dinghy sailing. Please see the calendar for more details or email Andy Lock at the address below.
Sailing Courses
AOAC will arrange RYA accredited sailing courses, subject to demand from members.
Previously we have run:Competent Crew practical course
This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers. By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines. The course is generally run either over five days, or three weekends.
Day Skipper practical course
At the end of this five-day course, successful participants will be able to skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. Most charter companies will also allow you to charter their boats. The course assumes a basic knowledge of navigation and helmsmanship and will concentrate on pilotage, boat handling, seamanship and navigation.
VHF course
According to maritime regulations, general radio transmissions should only be made by a licensed operator or by someone under the direct supervision of a licensed operator. The Short Range Certificate is the most common operator's certificate which covers the use of VHF and VHF/DSC equipment.
First Aid at Sea
This one day course is based on the recommendations of the HSE and MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), and includes first aid topics relating specifically to 'on the water' scenarios.
Sailing circulation list
We also hold a list of people who are interested in sailing within the club. If you would like to have your name added to the circulation list, you should e-mail Simon at “Sail AT AOAC.co.uk”.
If you want more information or to be put on the sailing distribution list then contact Matt sail AT aoac DOT co DOT uk
Upcoming Sailing Trips
July-2010
August-2010
September-2010
| Sat | 11 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Sun | 12 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Mon | 13 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Tue | 14 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Wed | 15 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Thu | 16 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Fri | 17 | Scotland Sailing Week |
| Sat | 18 | Scotland Sailing Week |
