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Red Ribbon Training and Regatta
Optimist and RS Tera Red Ribbon Training 2025
Nurturing Young Sailors at HISC
Hayling Island Sailing Club has long been a cradle for nurturing young sailing talent. Central to this is the club's Red Ribbon Training Programme, a six session course aimed at gently introducing young sailors to the exhilarating world of dinghy racing.
Under the guidance of Melvyn Cooper Sailing, the programme focuses on building children's self-esteem and sailing confidence, creating a positive and rewarding entry level to competitive sailing.
A cornerstone of the programme culminates in the highly anticipated Red Ribbon Regatta, an event which not only marks the end of the training but also leaves participants eager and prepared for future racing events, such as Youth Race Week.
Background and further information
Red Ribbon is a hugely successful part of the HISC Youth Pathway, with children sailing across the best tides in small groups under the instruction of selected qualified dinghy instructors and coaches. The programme is aimed at sailors who have gained RYA Stage 3 and ideally need to be familiar with sailing a triangle course on West Mud.
Children involved form friendships and learn fundamental race skills that help them progress to the next stage. It is available for both Optimist and RS Tera sailors. Optimist sailors will need their own boat. RS Tera sailors are welcome to hire as required (not included in the course price) direct with the sailing club.
It’s not just about learning to race, the Red Ribbon Training Programme is about building confidence, forging friendships, and fostering a lifelong love for sailing.
Yachts & Yachting Red Ribbon Regatta report 2024
https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/277220/Red-Ribbon-Regatta-at-Hayling-Island
How to apply for a place on Red Ribbon Training 2025
Firstly, please read all the information carefully below before completing the application. It may save any disappointment if your child is not ready or too experienced for Red Ribbon Training 2025.
Prerequisites to apply for Optimist and RS Tera sailors.
If you are an Optimist sailor:
• Minimum age 9
• Completed RYA Stage 3 on tidal waters and practiced these skills.
• Will sail a couple of times this season before Red Ribbon begins in April 2025.
• Can sail in 10-14 knots without reefing.
If you are an RS Tera sailor:
• Minimum age 9 or min height 1.3m
• Completed RYA Stage 3 on tidal waters and practiced these skills.
• Will sail a couple of times this season before Red Ribbon begins in April 2025.
• Can sail in 10-14 knots without reefing.
Red Ribbon Training is not for your child if:
• They are a beginner or have only completed RYA Stage 1 & 2
• They have already taken part in Sunday racing or Youth Race Week Bronze fleet
• They are looking to start race training to head quickly into the IOCA pathway. Red Ribbon is a precursor to this, giving children the opportunity to have their first go at racing by the end of the course.
Red Ribbon Training is for your child if:
• They would like to learn how to race a triangle course and windward - leeward course
• They would like to learn how to start and finish a short race
• They can commit to all dates which includes the Red Ribbon Regatta 2025
• They would like to try racing in Youth Race Week Bronze fleet 4-8 August 2025
Red Ribbon Training dates 2025
• Sunday 13 April 2025 - 09:30 – 15:30 hrs
• Sunday 27 April 2025 - 09:30 – 15:30 hrs
• Sunday 18 May 2025 - 14:00 – 16:30 hrs (half day)
• Sunday 25 May 2025 - 09:30 – 12:00 hrs (half day)
• Sunday 15 June 2025 - 13:30 – 16:00 hrs (half day)
• Sunday 22 June 2025 - 09:30 – 12:00 hrs (half day)
Red Ribbon Regatta 2025
• Sunday 13 July 2025
Cost
As a guide we expect the cost for the six training dates including the Red Ribbon Regatta will be approximately £280. Cost will be finalised once numbers of participants and Instructors are confirmed.
Important information to read:
• Training groups will be kept small, no more than 20 children (10 x Optimist & 10 x RS Tera).
• It is not possible for participants to be refunded if they are unable to make one or more days.
• Parent participation is compulsory to support children’s confidence.
Special note
Just to say this is NOT a DROP and Go, be prepared to learn as much as your child! Parents are required to help with launching and recovery of children and will need to assist coaches afloat and on the beach.
Application form 2025
To apply for a Red Ribbon place please complete the application form below. Closing date is Sunday 9 March 2025.
Red Ribbon Training application form: https://forms.gle/sBV22UUxnidKLymv7
Special note
Filling in the form does not guarantee a space on the course.
We are limited to 20 sailors due to safety boat resources combined with delivering a quality course. If your child is not successful in gaining a place on Red Ribbon, there will guidance on hand for other appropriate training courses.
Finally
Once your child has been confirmed a place, Melvyn will use the information from your application form to organise the children into groups and understand how to help them move forward with their sailing goals, depending on experience and boat type.
Payment
Once places are confirmed full payment is required to secure your child’s place which includes the Regatta. Information on how to pay will be shared once the places are confirmed.
Melvyn Cooper – Red Ribbon Training Co-ordinator
Email any questions to melvyn@melvyncoopersailing.com