This is a one day Sailing Skills and Theory assessment on Friday 21st August 2026.

It will be held at Sligo Yacht Club.

If possible please keep Saturday 22nd free in case of inclement weather.

You will find useful info on what to expect here... as well as a rough breakdown of the assessment.

https://irishsailingassociation-my.sharepoint.com/personal/colum_mccaffrey_sailing_ie/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fcolum%5Fmccaffrey%5Fsailing%5Fie%2FDocuments%2FColum%2FWebsite%20Links%2FSBSS%20Pre%2DEntry%20Assessment%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fcolum%5Fmccaffrey%5Fsailing%5Fie%2FDocuments%2FColum%2FWebsite%20Links&ga=1

https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/documents/SBSS-Pre-Entry-Practical-Trainee-Prep.pdf

While there are no set pre-requisites to participate in an SBSS pre-entry, Irish Sailing highly recommends that all pre-entry candidates have achieved Advanced Boat Handling in a dinghy and have completed the 1 day coastal navigation course.

SYC will endavour to hold a pre-entry prep day in the week leading up to the assessment. It is strongly advised that all candidates attend this.

The Pre-entry will be sailed in Mirrors and any candidates in possession of a Mirror are asked to bring their own boat.

Please wear full wetsuit, buoyancy aid and gear suitable for Dinghy sailing. You will also need a packed lunch.

Be sure to review and study for the Theory Papers in advance. You will be presented with only 1 of the 3 papers on the day.

Links to Sample Papers below...

https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/ISA-Dinghy-Pre-entry-Paper-1.pdf

https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/ISA-Dinghy-Pre-entry-Paper-2_1.pdf

https://www.sailing.ie/Portals/0/documents/ISA-Dinghy-Pre-entry-Paper-3_1.pdf

Please Note that upon successful completion of your Pre Entry Assessment, you must attend a your instructor course within 12 months.

SBSS Sailing Instructor Pre-Entry