The Junior Committee is delighted to offer our very popular Nippers course in May and June 2024, starting on Wednesday 8 May.

 The Nippers course is based on the ISA’s Cara na Mara programme. The programme designed for young children aged 6-10 who have not yet had any, or little, 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 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12). 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 Otters: 6 to 8 years

o Seals: 7 to 9 years

o Dolphins: 8 to 10 years

Nippers is aimed at NYC members, aged 6-10, who have not previously done any full day summer courses or may have only done a Minors course in summer 2023.

 The cost per child is €130 for all six sessions. The fee covers instruction, supper for children on the last night and access to NYC boats (no need to rent or own a boat).

Children must have a reasonable level of water confidence, as we will be using Optimists, Paddleboards and Ventures, 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)

 We will cap the numbers at 18 and open a waiting list if there is more demand. The ratio of instructor to children is 1:6 for this age group, as per ISA guidance. 

Registrations are currently only open to Full and Family members.