Cadet Improvers Course Stage 3/4
Ages 10-16
Monday-Friday 09:30-1600
Also suitable for repeating cadets who would like to spend a week on the water this summer building their skills and confidence.
ELYC training programs are run by a fully qualified and certificated team, supported by volunteers.
This course is open to club members only. We welcome all new members, and have lots of year round activities on and off the water. Participants must take out an Annual Membership of East Lothian Yacht Club when applying for a course.
Participants should be: between 10-16yrs, confident in the water and able to swim 50m in light clothing.
Buoyancy Aids and Safety Helmets are supplied, attendees are required to provide their own wetsuits, boots, etc.
Certificates are awarded through the RYA scheme, and only awarded when skills can be shown at the correct level. It should be noted that while the club will endeavour to support all participants to achieve their certificate completion is not always possible, as abilities and confidence vary and the weather can provide some challenging conditions. Weather permitting, it is hoped that attendees will achieve a RYA sailing certificate.
If you have any questions please contact our Training Admin by phone on 07983 896630 or on training@elyc.org.uk
Cadet Learn to Sail Week: RYA Stage 1&2
6-10 July 2026 (09:30-1600)
RYA Stage 1 & 2 Cadet Learn to Sail courses are aimed at complete beginners aged 10-16.
Following the RYA syllabus for Stage 1 & 2 Dinghy sailing, ELYC training programs are run by a professional team, supported by volunteers. This course aims to provide a basic understanding of sailing, and award an RYA dinghy sailing certificate.
Weather permitting, it is hoped that attendees will achieve a Stage 2 certificate, which will allow participation in further club activities. For more information on club activities click here.
This course is open to club members only. We welcome all new members.
Participants must take out an Annual Membership of East Lothian Yacht Club before or when applying for a course. If you are not already a member you can join here.
Please note that an Annual Membership is required to book this course. (Although there is an option to pay your membership monthly, please understand that you are committing to an annual membership).
Participants are supplied with Buoyancy Aids and Safety Helmets but are required to provide their own wetsuits, boots, etc. The Course FAQs can also provide you with additional information.
Certificates are awarded through the RYA scheme, and only awarded when skills can be shown at the correct level. It should be noted that while the club will endeavour to support all participants to achieve their certificate completion is not always possible, as abilities and confidence vary and the weather can provide some challenging conditions.
By booking on to this course you accept our training booking terms and conditions.
If you have any questions please contact us on training@elyc.org.uk
If you wish to book a club boat, you should do so online using the registration button on the event itself. Please note that registration is only required if you are hiring a club boat. If you are using your own boat, you do NOT have to register.
Important information for registrants
1) Please only register if you have a minimum of RYA Level 2 or equivalent.
2) All members should ensure they have appropriate equipment for the weather and conditions, to include personal buoyancy. Please also remember that it can get cold on the water, at any time of year.
3) If you are under 18 years old, please ensure you have completed an U18 Parental Consent Form (2022/2023 Season) form.
4) Please make sure you return boats to their correct storage locations and are in a state that you would expect to find them.
5) Mast head floats must be used when taking a 2000 out.
6) The jib must always be put away after sailing a 2000 and the forestay reattached.
7) Club boats must be hosed down after they have been used.
Fun Friday!
Reminder: all club members are required to have their own buoyancy aids, but having replaced the club's training helmets this summer we will make the old helmets available for use - at your own risk.
Registration is mandatory for this event.
The key aim of Friday Sailing sessions is to have fun! Friday Sailing is a great opportunity to get out on the water and practice the skills you have learnt or have a relaxing sail at the end of the week in a safe, friendly, structured and controlled environment. Friday Sailing is run by a team of volunteers.
Important Information for Participants
2) Please be on the beach rigged and ready to sail by 6:20pm as we will be launching at 6:30pm. To give yourself enough time, you should aim to be at the club by 5:45pm.
3) If you are under 18 years old, please ensure you have completed a U18 Parental Consent 2026/27.
4) At this time of year it is easy to get cold very quickly. Please check out our recommended kit list .
5) Registration limited to 12 boats based on minimum 2 Rib Safety Boats. Please add to waiting list, if 3 Ribs supported then can expand to 18 boats in total. Please volunteer via Dutyman if competent to act as Cox or ACox.
This is the return of the popular Topper Knockouts where everyone - Juniors, Cadets and Adults all race in Toppers. This is timed so that the fun format can be completed in the bay either side of high tide, around 1330 on the selected date.
No need to hire a boat for this event as this is limited to the Topper Fleet. Please register so that we can manage the format for the event.
4) Club boats must be hosed down after they have been used.
Cadet Improvers Course Stage 3/4 + Racing
13-17 July 2026 (09:30-1600)
Please register to take part, £10 entry fee per boat.
Saturday - Chilli in the Café ️
After racing, the bar will be open and all helms and crew are invited to the Sail Loft Café to enjoy a hearty bowl of chilli - just what hungry sailors need! (£5 per person payable at the bar on the day.)
Sunday - Prize Giving in the Bar
Join us in the bar after racing for prizes and pies!
20-24 July 2026 (09:30-1600)
Cadet Improvers Course Stage 3/4 + Seamanship
This format sets short races, focusing on starts and close fleet racing helping to tune prior to the ELYC Closed Regatta.
27-31 July 2026 (09:30-1600)
This race staged to support Female Helms to change up from perhaps norms. As per each week a Novice Race will also be held following recent training and the early August Improvers week. A separate handicap race will be held for those not in the main races.
You are invited to register
to take part in the
2026 Cadet Regatta
Please be on the beach rigged and ready for a briefing at 9.20am.
We will be launching at 9.30am.
To give yourself enough time, you should aim to be at the club by 8.45am PROMPT.
Boats will be allocated by the Regatta Team.
To help us, please tell us a little about your sailing experience on the following page.
A Prizegiving will be held at 11.30am
following the Cadet Regatta.
2) If you are under 18 years old, please ensure you have completed an U18 Parental Consent form 2024/25 .
3) At this time of year it is easy to get cold very quickly. Please check out our recommended kit list .
Saturday 15th August
ELYC CLOSED REGATTA
One day Regatta held for Club members
12.45pm Brief at the Club House
(please note this is a change to original time)
First Warning Signal 13.26
13:30 First Start 13.30
More information (including Sailing Instructions)
This is long distance race with longer legs, a chance to race over a broader course generally including an island enabling great views of the local sea birds.
Musto Skiff Championships - placeholder for 2026
More information to come.
This final day of this format sets short races, focusing on starts and close fleet racing.
ILCA Qualifier - placeholder for 2026
In this final race before Christmas, please come decked out in festive clothing/apparel suitable for the season.
For the first race of the new year, the traditional Ice Breaker is competed on the first Saturday.
East Lothian Yacht Club | 36-40 Victoria Road | The Harbour | North Berwick | East Lothian | EH39 4JL