Galway Bay Sailing Club

Cara na Mara is an Irish Sailing approved introductory sailing course designed for children between the ages of 8 and 11 years.

There are 3 levels (depending primarily on age but allowances can be made for experience) known as Seals, Dolphins and Orcas

The course will run over 5 days from 0930-1300 and 1400-1700.

The sailors should bring lunch and will be supervised by the instructors on their lunch break.

Cara na Mara provides a child centered approach to introducing children to sailing and the marine environment. The program allows children to discover, explore and practice the skills and knowledge they will need as sailors while under the leadership and supervision of Irish Sailing Instructors within an Irish Sailing accredited Training Center.

While it does cover the essential sailing skills needed the program has a strong emphasis on skills & knowledge that will allow the sailors to appreciate & enjoy the water and outdoor environment safely. These skills and knowledge tie into the National School curriculum.

The program interfaces with the Irish Sailing Small Boats Sailing Scheme allowing them to move onto Irish Sailing Start Sailing as their next step / course.

Suggested ages:

Seals                   8 years

Dolphins            9 years

Orcas                  10 years

Previous knowledge or experience

Sailors entering onto Otters are not expected to have any previous knowledge or experience. Sailors entering onto the other courses need to have demonstrated the competencies included in the previous levels.

Equipment

Buoyancy aids are provided by GBSC. Wetsuits are available but if sailors have their own wetsuits and boots, that is preferable for their comfort.