The Junior Committee is delighted to announce the return of our very popular Nippers and Nippers+  course in May and June 2025, starting on Wednesday 7th May.

The Nippers course is based on, but not part of the ISA’s Cara na Mara programme. The programme designed for young children aged 6-11 who have not yet had any, or have some, experience sailing. The programme is focused on building confidence on the water and teaching the basics of water safety. The emphasis is on fun and safety! 

The NYC will run 6 sessions on Wednesdays (Dates May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 11). The session starts with registration at 5.30 and finishes at 7.30pm.

Parents are expected to remain in close vicinity in case a child needs to be collected early. Parents are expected to volunteer on 1 of the six nights. Volunteers are required to remain onsite at the NYC, ashore (not on the water).

There will be courses for age groups as below:

o Nippers: 6 to 8 years

o Nippers+: 8 to 11 years

The cost per child is €150 for all six sessions. The fee covers instruction, supper & prizegiving for children on the last night.

Children must have a reasonable level of water confidence, as we will be using Optimists, Paddleboards, Ventures, Wayfarers and Fevas depending on the weather conditions. Children must bring their own life jackets & wear appropriate clothing since the summer evenings can be cold (wetsuits and booties; no shorties or shorts and no open shoes)

The ratio of instructor to children is 1:6 for this age group, as per ISA guidance.
The scheme traditionally gets over subscribed so book early to avoid disappointment

Registrations are currently open to Full and Family members.  The Junior Organiser has approved a small allocation of places for potential new members, who would like their child to try out Nippers, with the intention of becoming members of the NYC in due course. Please contact Aoife Hofler 087 0692024 to enquire.