As summer programmes begin to wind down, sailors around the country will have developed new skills, built confidence and gained valuable time on the water. But learning to sail doesn't stop when the course finishes and the next step is to get out and use those skills.
Sailing with family or friends, crewing for someone at your club, joining a race, or just heading out for an afternoon sail helps to turn skills into experience. Using an Irish Sailing Passport you can track progress, work on the areas your instructor has identified and set yourself small goals for the next time you go afloat.
Many Clubs and Training Centres also offer autumn programmes, providing regular opportunities to sail with instructor support. Courses give you the skills while time on the water turns them into experience, and after all it is the time on the water that really defines a sailor.