Galway Bay Sailing Club

Cara na Mara is an Irish Sailing approved introductory sailing course designed for children between the ages of 7 and 11 years.

Participants are split into groups depending on age, size, and physicality to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and appropriately safe and enjoyable experience tailored to their skill level and abilities.

The course will run over 5 days from 09:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:00.

Cara na Mara provides a child centered approach to introducing children to sailing and the marine environment. The program allows children to discover, explore and practice the skills and knowledge they will need as sailors while under the leadership and supervision of Irish Sailing Instructors within an Irish Sailing accredited Training Center.

While it does cover the essential sailing skills needed the program has a strong emphasis on skills & knowledge that will allow the sailors to appreciate & enjoy the water and outdoor environment safely. These skills and knowledge tie into the National School curriculum.

The program interfaces with the Irish Sailing Small Boats Sailing Scheme allowing them to move onto Irish Sailing Start Sailing as their next step / course.

Previous knowledge or experience

Sailors starting the Cara na Mara summer camps are not expected to have any previous knowledge or experience.

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.

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.

Jewellery

We advise against wearing of jewellery, rings, necklaces etc. during courses as they can be either lost, become entangled and/or lead to injury.

Lost, found or stolen

Items left behind will be kept for a period of two week and if not claimed may be disposed of or repurposed thereafter.

​The GBSC cannot accept responsibility for any items lost, stolen or damaged.

Unsure which course to choose

Please review our Pathway Overview Page for a simple breakdown of what is covered in each course, the experience required and the progression from one course to another.

Terms and Conditions

Please click her to see and read our terms and conditions