Introduction to Sailing Half Day Session
Want to have a taster introduction to sailing lesson? Book a half day session get on the water, learn the basics and have fun.
More course information
We run these sessions on demand and you will not see any dates to book on our booking calendar. We have to schedule dates in on demand so please get in touch to check availability. These are private sessions tailored to your requirements.
The introduction to sailing is available on our smaller wet dinghies or a larger dry keelboat. The price is the same for either.
A half day (3 hours) introduction to sailing will start on the shore with a simulated boat to show you a few basics before launching. You will learn how to sit in a boat, how to turn the boat through the wind and some terminology. We will then get on the water straight after this and put your skills into practice. The instructor will either be in the boat with you or coaching from close by in a motorboat. This is for children or adults and is very popular as a family activity.
The Fal estuary is the third deepest in the world and over a mile across which makes for a perfect place to sail dinghies and keelboats. Mylor is an award winning harbour and parking and access is easy.
Our kids had a fantastic morning sailing taster session, really well organised and we felt very confident re safety etc.
Frequently asked questions
When do you run these sessions?
We will run these sessions on demand so please get in touch to check availability and book in. Morning or afternoon sessions are available each day. We are open 7 days a week and all year round. A half day sailing session is 3 hours.
How old do you have to be for an introduction to sailing?
For just an introduction you can be as young as 6 years old. For lessons on the RYA scheme though it is recommended to start at 8 years. We have fun sessions available for ages 6 and upwards.
Can all of our family do it?
Yes we have a large fleet of boats and so you can either all go together on a large dinghy or keelboat and work together as a team or we can get you into some of the smaller boats and the instructor will coach you from close by in a motorboat. This is weather dependent and we can advise the best option for you depending on the amount of people in your family, the ages and also agility and confidence.
Where will we sail to?
If you have a half day, then it will stay quite close to the marina of Mylor. For full day sailing experiences we can go further afield and even to the Helford River. This is all wind and weather dependent though. You can either sit back and relax or get involved as much as you would like to.
I have never done it before is this ok?
This is a very frequently asked question! Yes of course, this is what we are here for! Around 60% of our customers are absolute beginners. If you have any apprehensions at all then please contact us and we will endeavour to put your mind at rest.
I have a disability/learning difficulty/health condition, can I learn to sail or powerboat?
Yes yes yes!! Of course you can. Depending on the nature of your need we have a variety of boats, well trained staff and lots of great equipment to make this all possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions. Two different certification schemes available. Please read our Access Statement at the foot of this page for further info on site.
What do I need to bring?
We provide all the clothing and equipment you will need. If you are going in a smaller boat then you will get wet. Here at Mylor Sailing School we have plenty of wetsuits for all ages and sizes. If you are going in a dryer boat then we will provide waterproof jackets and trousers to go over your clothing. The only thing we do not provide is footwear so you will need to bring something that you don’t mind getting wet, like wetsuit shoes or trainers. If you are wearing a wetsuit you will also need to bring your bathing suit for underneath this and a towel. This will all be explained in your booking confirmation once you have confirmed your booking.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
It is the policy of Mylor Sailing School for all beginners or rusty sailors to wear helmets. Also if going from the larger boats and into the smaller single handed boats for the first time as the boom is much lower. Once adults have completed their Level 2 and their skills are current we start to take the helmets off.
Do I have to capsize?
Here at Mylor Sailing School we will never make anybody do anything that they would not like to do. On an introduction to sailing we would not normally carry out a capsize drill due to the time available, unless it is a specific request. For the more elementary stages of sailing you need to understand what to do in the event of a capsize and this will be talked through/demonstrated when you are booking onto the RYA courses. Normally once you have had a practical experience of a capsize in a controlled environment then any fears are normally alleviated.
If it rains will it still be on?
Yes, we still go sailing in the rain. Most of the time you are going to get wet anyway! We provide all wetsuits for the smaller wet boats and waterproofs for the larger, drier boats to keep you as comfortable as possible. We also provide all the safety equipment.
I cannot swim, is this ok?
Yes this is absolutely fine. You will always be wearing either a buoyancy aid or a life jacket that will keep you floating if you do enter the water. We normally ask this question on the booking form but it is just for our instructors information.
Do I have to wear a buoyancy aid/life jacket?
Yes, due to the usual regulations, everybody that is going afloat will need to wear either a buoyancy aid or a life jacket for safety reasons.
How many people in a group?
For the introduction to sailing taster sessions, we normally just have you and your party in your group as a private session.
