A recent workshop at Bantry Bay Sailing Club brought together Assistant Instructors and experienced Instructors for a hands-on session focused on skills delivery within the Small Boat Sailing Scheme (SBSS) syllabus. The workshop explored not only what is taught on the water, but how it is taught. Participants looked at how to effectively observe and analyse the breakdown of specific sailing skills, while exploring the dynamic nature of Teaching Points within the SBSS syllabus.
Rather than following the syllabus as a rigid script, the group examined how instruction can be adapted to suit individual sailors, different boats and changing conditions, including wind and tide. The session also provided an opportunity for participants to develop their own sailing skills and improve their personal proficiency on the water.
A key focus of the workshop was exploring different approaches to learning, including directive and discovery-based methods. Assistant Instructors focused on developing the fundamentals of teaching, including delivering clear teaching points, selecting effective on-water settings and providing constructive feedback. For experienced Instructors, the session focused on expanding their teaching toolkit through discovery learning techniques. Participants explored how targeted questioning and carefully designed scenarios can help sailors draw on their own knowledge, improve understanding and develop skills that are retained long-term.
Beyond the focus on instruction, the workshop provided an opportunity for sailing enthusiasts to share knowledge, exchange top tips and enjoy time on the water together. Workshops such as this support the continued development of training systems across Ireland, helping clubs and Training Centres refine skills delivery, improve task development and continue to raise the standard of sailing instruction nationwide.