Galway Bay Sailing Club

Adult "Keep" Sailing

Sailing is more than just a sport—it’s a lifelong skill that offers adventure, challenge, and personal growth.

Our "Keep Sailing" initiative is designed to help adults of all skill levels develop their sailing abilities, progress at their own pace, and gain confidence on the water through structured training and hands-on experience. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, the Irish Sailing Small Boat Sailing Scheme (SBSS) provides a clear and accessible pathway to becoming a competent and independent sailor.

The course is designed to be repeatable so if compliments Irish Sailing assessment approach to developing your core skills and progressing at a pace that suits you. It is deigned to give you quality time and instruction on the water and as you progress your Instructor will continuous monitor , provide feedback and update your skills are you move through the various levels of the Irish Sailing Small Boat Sailing Scheme.

The Irish Sailing Small Boat Sailing Scheme (SBSS)

The SBSS is a nationally recognized training framework that offers a structured and progressive approach to learning. It covers everything from the fundamentals of sailing to advanced seamanship and racing techniques. The scheme is designed to be flexible and inclusive, allowing participants to develop their skills in dinghies, keelboats, or multihulls under the guidance of qualified Irish Sailing instructors.

Continuous Assessment & Progression

Unlike traditional courses with exams, the SBSS uses continuous assessment, ensuring that sailors build confidence and competence at every stage. Progression is based on practical skills demonstrated on the water, with instructors providing guidance and feedback tailored to each individual's needs. The scheme is divided into progressive levels, each building upon the last:

• Start Sailing – Introduction to the basics, including boat handling and safety.
• Basic Skills – Refining sailing techniques and learning how to sail more effectively.
• Improving Skills – Developing independence, decision-making, and boat control.
• Advanced Modules – Specializing in areas such as racing, spinnaker handling, and coastal navigation.

As sailors move through the levels, they gain increased responsibility and self-sufficiency, empowering them to sail confidently in different conditions. Whether you want to cruise for leisure, race competitively, or eventually become an instructor, the SBSS offers a clear route to achieving your goals.

Previous knowledge or experience

Participants must have completed the Adult Taste of Sailing course.

Checklick

The Irish Sailing provided Checklick system is used to capture the progress of participants.

If you wish for your progress to be recorded, evaluated and receive accreditations as you progress, then you must create a Checklick (Passport) account.

Click here to create a Checklick account

Medical Conditions

You must inform in advance if the participant has any know medical conditions, special needs and or behavior considerations that we should be aware of and or that would impact there ability to participate safely in all the activities.

Terms and Conditions

Please click her to see and read our terms and conditions

Equipment

Buoyancy aids are provided by GBSC. Wetsuits are available however if sailors have their own wetsuits and boots, that is preferable for their own comfort.

Footwear

Sandals, Flip Flops, Crocs or other similar open shoes are NOT recommended.

We recommend Runners, Aqua Shoes or Wetsuit Boots.

On the Day

Please bring:

• Your own wetsuit (if you have one) booties or old runners
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
• Towel, change of socks / underwear.
• Warm dry clothing for when you come out of the water.
• A notebook and pen/pencil (for coursework).
• Lunch each day (if your course runs for the full day), water, hot drink.