Galway Bay Sailing Club

Adult Keelboat Taste of Sailing — Overview

Irish Sailing’s Taste of Sailing course offers adults an opportunity to experience the fundamentals of keelboat sailing in a structured, safe and enjoyable environment.

Designed for those who are new to sailing, this introductory course provides practical, hands-on experience aboard a keelboat under the guidance of experienced and accredited sailing instructors.

No previous sailing experience is required—just an interest in learning and a desire to experience the freedom and enjoyment of sailing on Galway Bay.

The course runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Objective

By the end of the course, participants should have developed a basic understanding of keelboat sailing and had an opportunity to:

• Identify the main parts of a keelboat and its equipment
• Understand basic sailing terminology and instructions
• Identify wind direction and understand its effect on the boat
• Assist with preparing the boat for sailing
• Assist with hoisting, lowering and controlling the sails
• Understand the different crew positions aboard a keelboat
• Steer the boat under supervision
• Sail across the wind
• Assist with turning the boat through the wind (tacking)
• Assist with turning the boat away from the wind (gybing)
• Understand how crew movement and sail trim affect the boat
• Understand basic onboard safety procedures
• Gain a good introductory overview of keelboat sailing

The precise activities undertaken will depend on the weather and sea conditions experienced during the course.

Previous Knowledge or Experience

No previous sailing experience is required—just a good sense of adventure and a willingness to participate as part of a crew.

Medical Conditions and Additional Needs

You must inform GBSC in advance of any known medical conditions, special needs, mobility requirements or behavioural considerations that could affect the participant’s ability to take part safely in the course.

Participants should also speak with the instructor before going afloat if there has been any relevant change in their health or circumstances.

Safety Equipment

Appropriate buoyancy aids or lifejackets will be provided by GBSC.

Participants are not normally expected to enter the water during keelboat sailing. However, sailing is an outdoor water-based activity, and participants should dress appropriately for the weather and expect some spray or rain.

Clothing and Footwear

Participants should wear warm, comfortable layers together with suitable waterproof outer clothing. Conditions on the water can feel considerably colder than conditions ashore, even on a mild day.

Closed-toe footwear with a good grip is required. Sailing boots, deck shoes or runners with non-marking soles are suitable.

Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, high heels and other open or unsuitable footwear must not be worn aboard the boat.

What to Bring

Please bring:

• A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
• Warm layers suitable for the forecast conditions
• Closed-toe footwear with a good grip
• A warm hat and gloves, where appropriate
• Sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses
• A change of dry clothing, socks and footwear
• A small towel
• A notebook and pen or pencil
• Lunch, snacks, water and a hot drink for each day
• Any personal medication you may require

Please place spare clothing and personal belongings in a waterproof bag where possible.

Jewellery

We advise against wearing jewellery, including rings, necklaces and bracelets, during the course. These items may be lost, damaged, become entangled or cause injury while aboard the boat.

Lost, Found or Stolen Property

Items left behind will be kept for a period of two weeks. If they are not claimed within that time, they may be disposed of or repurposed.

Galway Bay Sailing Club cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

All cancellations by the customer must be made in writing by email or by phone to Galway Bay Sailing Club.

Cancellations received more than four weeks before the course commencement date will be refunded in full.

Cancellations received between four weeks and seven days before the course commencement date will be eligible for a 50% refund.

Cancellations received within seven days of the course commencement date are non-refundable, as instructor, vessel and safety resources will already have been committed.

Terms and Conditions

Please click here to read our full terms and conditions.