A Level 1 Beginners Sailing Course for Women

Following the hugely successful DLR Her Outdoors Week Try Sailing event, DLR Sports Partnership is delighted to launch the Women's Get Into Sailing Programme, giving women the opportunity to build their skills, confidence and experience on the water in a supportive and welcoming environment.

In partnership with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and DLR Sports Partnership. Delivered by the Irish National Sailing School (INSS) in Dún Laoghaire, this programme is designed to introduce participants to keelboat sailing and provide a clear pathway into regular club sailing and lifelong participation in the sport.

What You'll Learn

Over two full days of practical, hands-on instruction, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of sailing, including:

Safety afloat and appropriate sailing clothing

Basic ropework and knot tying

Rigging and preparing a keelboat

Understanding weather and wind conditions

Steering and helm skills

Sail setting and boat handling

Sailing upwind, downwind and across the wind

Teamwork and communication on board

Course Details

📅 Dates: Saturday 12th & 19th September 2026

⏰ Time: 9:30am to 5:00pm each day

📍 Location: Irish National Sailing School (INSS), Dún Laoghaire

👤 Minimum Age: 18 years

🎟️ Subsidised Cost: €75.00 per person

Qualification

Participants will work towards the RYA Keelboat Level 1 (Start Sailing) Certificate, a nationally recognised sailing qualification.

What's Included?

Expert instruction from qualified INSS sailing instructors

Use of J80 keelboats

Waterproof clothing and wet-weather gear

Lifejackets and all safety equipment

RYA certification on successful completion

Your Sailing Journey Doesn't End Here

This programme is the first step in a dedicated women's sailing pathway. DLR Sports Partnership intends to run a RYA Keelboat Level 2 course in early 2027, allowing participants to further develop their sailing skills and confidence on the water.

Following completion of the training pathway, participants will have the opportunity to join West Pier Sailing Club and continue sailing regularly and independently.

Club Sailing Opportunities

⛵ West Pier Sailing Club Membership: €40 per year

⛵ Sailing Sessions: From €35 per session

⛵ All sailing equipment provided

⛵ Regular sailing opportunities throughout the season

Whether you attended our Her Outdoors Week sailing event or are completely new to the sport, this programme is the perfect opportunity to discover the excitement of sailing, meet like-minded women, and begin your sailing journey!

Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued for cancellations made within 5 days of the programme start date, as places are limited and course arrangements will have been finalised.

Places are limited, so early booking is advised.

Funded by DLR Sports Partnership and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council as part of our commitment to increasing women's participation in sport and physical activity.

Description supplied by the event organiser.