Frequently Asked Questions
Finding us
Some courses take place at other locations: you will be informed of this in your joining instructions or subsequent emails.
Parking and pick-up/drop-off
Children under sixteen must be picked up by a parent unless permission is given in writing for the child to leave unaccompanied.
Please carefully note your session(s) arrival and drop off times – it impacts on everyone if you are late!
Bookings FAQs
Why do bookings open so late and will I get a place on my course?
We open bookings late simply to reduce the admin load on our volunteers. Most people will get their first choice of place on courses as long as they book in good time, so you are able to plan your summer around our dates!
How do I book and pay?
We use WebCollect for all of our bookings. This software enables us to take payments and personal details securely, and in a GDPR compliant manner. Currently, we only take payment via bank transfer. This is secure, and allows us to keep prices low by avoiding excessive bank fees. Please ensure you note your payment reference number when paying, so that we can log your payment correctly.
Will I receive more information about the course after booking?
Yes! Once you have paid and we have registered the payment, you will receive an automated email with joining instructions specific for your activity. Please check your junk mailbox for these as they do occasionally make their way there! If all if well with your booking, we may not email you after these, so don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from us!
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We’ll always do our best to accommodate you, but for fairness we will refer to our Terms and Conditions. We book instructors, equipment and classroom space out in advance of courses, so late-notice cancellations may be ineligible for refund or free-rebooking.
General Afloat Activities FAQs
What is the eligibility for courses?
We aspire to be as open as possible! There are occasionally restrictions based on ability (ie. we can’t have total beginners in advanced groups) and we cannot under any circumstances take participants below the age of ten. This is due to our insurance and anyone under the age of ten on a course is liable to be removed without refund.
What if I have a medical issue?
This is absolutely fine 99% of the time! Please make it clear on your booking form under ‘Health and Support needs’, and let us know when you meet us for the first time, as well as on your consent form. We can carry small items of medication (provided they are in a waterproof, labelled container) and all our staff are First Aid trained, including in the care of diabetes and other conditions.
Will I definitely get a certificate/get out on the water every day?
It is in absolutely everyone’s interest to spend as much time on the water as possible and achieve RYA qualifications. We do have to be realistic about the British weather – it can sometimes make things tricky. Additionally, everyone learns at different paces, so the tight course timings might not be quite enough for everyone. This means that we can’t guarantee a certificate after every course, but will work with you to make progress clear and achieve desired outcomes.
What if the weather is terrible?
The Senior Instructor on the day has the final call as to weather we go afloat or not, and will make this decision in-line with our risk assessments, their experience and guidance from management. This decision is final. We generally won’t be put off by rain, cold or stronger winds – so we advise bringing lots of clothing and never assuming that we’ll be spending the day on shore.
Can I use my own boat?
For both dinghy sailing and power boating, we are more than happy for you to use your own boat. You’ll need to sign a form to say you’re happy to use it in a training environment, and we’ll need to give it a once-over to make sure it’s good to go. We also appreciate an email to let us know the session(s) you’d like to use your boat during, so that we can plan the best possible tuition for you.
Can I use my own personal flotation device?
We’re more than happy for you to use your own buoyancy aid on training sessions, as long as an instructor checks it before use. Lifejackets can also be used, but these need to be checked by our Chief Instructor or Principal.
Do you hire boats?
We do not hire boats. We firmly believe that the best way to enjoy our equipment and patch of water is through an organised training session – so if you want to get out sailing or powerboating have a look at our offering!
Can I choose who I learn with?
Generally yes! Please bear in mind that for courses with separate groups, this may jeopardise the qualifications of one or both of you.
Will I get wet?
Almost certainly yes. For dinghy sailing, it is a good idea to dress as if you will capsize (even if you don’t intend to). For powerboating, we will get waist deep in the water to launch and recover the boats – so please dress appropriately.
General Ashore Activities FAQs
What do I need to bring?
Usually for our Shorebased courses, you just need to bring yourself!
How do I access my online course?
After you have purchased your course, you will receive an email with login instructions (which can also be accessed from the bookings page). Although you have access to the instructions, it might still take us up to two working days to get you set up on the online system.
I have more questions about my online course!
These courses vary quite a bit, so please refer to the course page in the first instance (where you booked). You will find details regarding access and privacy on the online courses policy. Any further questions please direct to our contact form or assistance email address.
Where do Shorebased courses take place?
These may take place outside of our main classroom in the sailing club, or even at your own base. We’ll let you know this by email and through your joining instructions.
Clothing and Personal Equipment FAQs
What do you provide?
We can provide you with a personal flotation device for water-based activities and we have a small supply of helmets if required (although the vast majority of participants do not need a helmet).
What clothing do I need to bring for sailing?
As a minimum, we recommend that everyone brings a wetsuit and a windproof/waterproof layer for wearing on the water, a complete change of clothes and a towel. You must have footwear such as wetsuit boots or old trainers. We do not permit flip flops or sliders for use afloat.
What about clothing for powerboat courses?
Bear in mind that while launching and recovering the boats, you will get to about waist depth in the water. Bring clothing appropriate for that, and be mindful of the footwear you choose. We strongly recommend bringing waterproof trousers as well as a jacket.
What if I bring the wrong clothing?
While we understand that it’s easy to forget kit, we also have a duty of care to all of our participants and instructors. If the Senior Instructor judges that you cannot safely go afloat (eg. for risk of hypothermia) then you will not be permitted to go out. We will make every effort to locate you kit and spares to avoid this happening, but cannot make exceptions to this duty of care rule.
After your activity
How will I know what my next steps are?
During your debrief, your instructor will inform you of next steps within the RYA Training Schemes and the Lyme Regis Sea School. This is a brilliant time to probe them on the various pathways and organisations to develop. For some courses, we’ll send a specific post-course email detailing next steps.
Will there be an opportunity for feedback?
Absolutely – feedback is crucial for our instructors and centre to develop. We’ll email you a feedback form after your activity along with other post-course information. It is anonymous, but you can leave an email if you wish to be contacted about your feedback.
What happens if I am dissatisfied with my experience?
We’re always sorry to hear that customers haven’t had a completely satisfactory experience with us. Fortunately, as this is uncommon, we are usually able to put it right quickly and do so on an individual basis. Any concerns you have should be directed to the lead instructor for your activity, or to the Chief Instructor or Principal. We’ll try to resolve the issue, but if you still aren’t satisfied we can take the matter higher to the Chair and Trustees for their consideration.
Is tipping permitted?
Tipping is permitted and staff keep 100% of the tips they receive. It is absolutely not required or expected that our participants tip staff.