Sailing

Sailing News

Glenalmond College Sailing Club, affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association, has existed since the early 1950s. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons we sail on Loch Earn, St Fillans, in our own Toppers, a Laser, a race-rigged Wayfarer, a Pico and an International 420, the standard training boats used by most sailing schools. The club also has the use of a race-rigged Scorpion. We are fortunate in owning our own RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) which is used for on-the-water coaching as well as for rescue duties.

We have two RYA-qualified dinghy instructor staff members and four safety boat drivers as well as two pupils who are RYA Dinghy Instructors as well. Although we are not an authorised RYA training establishment we provide RYA-style training at various levels.

Pupils subsequently aiming for RYA dinghy sailing certificates can enrol via the CCF to learn at HMS Caledonia, Rosyth or at Loch Earn Sailing Club during the summer holidays.

The emphasis is on safe, seamanlike sailing. Each sailing session starts with a briefing including guidance on the permitted sailing area for that day. Due consideration is always given to the skill levels of pupils with regard to the weather conditions. Loch Earn is very deep and cold and pupils must wear their own wet suits, neoprene shoes and buoyancy aids.

The highlight of our season is the Brown Cup Regatta sailed under the burgee of Loch Earn Sailing Club. Prefaced by two days of race training by some of Scotland's top coaches, the Brown Cup itself is on Monday June 14th, when a team from Coll of non-exam-tied enthusiasts will be taking part. This year two of our pupils are already qualified RYA Dinghy Instructors, so we have hopes of some good results!

We do not have Racing Coaches, but we have the contacts to arrange such coaching: the cost is extra. Basic race tactics can be taught (two of our instructors won the Wayfarer Open at Loch Venachar in 2005).

Contact: Mr Richard Haylock (webmaster@glenalmondcollege.co.uk)