First Training Courses of 2026 at Ripon Sailing Club
by Jimmy Haddock 10 May 13:10 UTC
3 & 5 May 2025
First Training Courses of 2026 at Ripon Sailing Club © Gail Jackson
It was a bank holiday weekend to remember at Ripon Sailing Club (May 3rd & 5th), where the water was just as busy as the clubhouse. The weather treated us to some sunshine and typical Farnham fickle winds, but the enthusiasm on the water was undeniable, showing that Ripon is a great place to learn to sail.
The weekend's headline was the success of our RYA training programs. Our dedicated team of Dinghy Instructors was out in full force, delivering top-tier guidance to a mix of fresh faces and existing members. Their hard work paid off in spades:
- Courses Completed: RYA Level 1, Stage 1, and Stage 2.
- Certificates Issued: A fantastic 16 new qualifications were handed out!
- The Verdict: Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the "enthusiastic" and "supportive" atmosphere created by the training team.
Saturday took the prize for the busiest day of the weekend. The lake was a hive of activity as the club hosted a significant influx of university sailing team racing action alongside our regular Saturday racing series. The mix of competitive student energy and club racing made for a spectacular sight from the shore even if the wind kept everyone on their toes!
The weekend reached a high note on Saturday evening as Leeds University hosted their end-of-season 'Party on the Pontoon.' The atmosphere was electric, transformed by the smooth sounds of a live jazz band that echoed across the water. Members and students alike celebrated a successful season in style, with more than a few Gin and Tonics raised to toast the bank holiday.
Whether you were mastering a tack for the first time or enjoying the jazz by the water, it was a weekend that perfectly captured the spirit of Ripon Sailing Club: community, skill-building, and a very good party. Training Principal Jimmy Haddock commented:
"A huge thank you to the instructors and volunteers who made this possible. Seeing 16 new certificates issued in one weekend is a testament to the thriving sailing community we have here at Ripon."