Introducing our new chief instructor and plans for 2024 training programme

For those of you whom I have not yet met please let me introduce myself as the new Chief Instructor of FGSC and our plans for 2024 to get people on the water!

Many of you may know me, Jaz Spencer, as I learnt to sail and race as a child at FGSC before volunteering and training as an instructor here. Over the last few years, I have developed my skills and knowledge at Polkerris Beach and with Neilson in Sardinia. Coming back as Chief Instructor is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing you on the water or in the club. There will be some positive changes which hopefully you will be as pleased about as I am.

On that note, and with the sailing season being just around the corner, we are delighted to announce that our 2024 training calender is ready! This year we are excited to add a ladies club, junior race training and working with local schools. To see regular updates and see what we have been up to please follow our Facebook page. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer on land or on the water for any of the sessions, please get in touch.

Getting ready for the junior regatta in 2023.

ON THE WATER

To book onto any of the following sessions please visit our website. If you can't see the course, session, dates you would like to do or just want to touch base, please email training@foweygallantssc.co.uk

Junior RYA courses

Running every week in school holidays (except regatta) these sessions are perfect for juniors to work towards RYA stages across five consecutive mornings. These sessions are in small groups of similar abilities.

Junior half day sessions

For those who have completed RYA Stage 2, you can attend half day sessions in the afternoons, you can book on for one or as many as you like. The afternoon sessions are for those who would like to enjoy a bit more variety. Activities may include trips to the beaches, exploring the estuary, racing or to sign off a few elements of your stages.

Adult RYA courses

Courses are run either over five ½ days or two full days. Courses are for beginners (level 1) to advanced (level 3). Participants will learn in single handed dinghies or in the double handed Venture. Learning will take place on both land and water. Dates and times are flexible, please contact us for further details and discuss availability.

Discover sailing sessions

The perfect way to get a taste of sailing, these 1 ½ hour private lessons allow you to see if sailing is for you or to increase your confidence before booking a course. Makes a great gift for juniors, adults or families! Please email for availability.

Powerboat level 2 and safety boat course

This comprehensive Level 2 course takes you from beginner to a competent boat handler in two full days. Suitable for 12+ year olds. Powerboat level 2 courses are run on the first weekend of the month, other availability and safety boat courses on request.

Junior Onboard sessions

OnBoard is a beginner programme that gets local children (age 7+) on the water, there is no experience or equipment needed to get them started. The programme is progressive, so they can work through the RYA Youth Schemes. For those who are interested, and meet required ability levels, children can progress to taking part in club racing in club boats. The sessions have been so popular that we have now added Thursday as well as Wednesday evening. Please join by booking online, then join the WhatsApp group to keep up to date with sessions.

Onboard WhatsApp group

Adult improvers club

After having completed your course, you will no doubt be keen to continue your sailing development by spending time on the water. Or you may have sailed in times gone by and are keen to get your sea legs back. We are holding relaxed, informal sessions for club members aimed at getting you on the water with likeminded people and building your confidence, whilst being supervised by one of our instructors. **** Please note, booking for this is slightly different to the above courses. Sessions are organised weekly by members and instructors via the Whatsapp group. Once a time is agreed you then book and pay for that weeks session online.

Adult Improvers WhatsApp group

Ladies club

Social sailing for women of all ages and abilities. The aim of the group is to improve skills, build confidence and have some fun out on the water normally with a coffee and chat after. **** Please note, booking for this is slightly different to the above courses. Sessions are organised weekly by members and instructors via the Whatsapp group. Once a time is agreed you then book and pay for that weeks session online.

FGSC Ladies Club WhatsApp group

MORE PLANS AFLOAT Keep watching this space

Weekly race training

Sessions are being planed for weekly sessions for juniors. More details to follow.

School sessions

Starting in April 2024 FGSC will teach children from six primary schools. Each school has its own program with some solely on focusing on sailing whilst other will also get the opportunity to undertake powerboating, paddle boarding and kayaking. Some of these sessions are in conjunction with Encounter Cornwall.

Other ideas in the pipeline.... We are considering running day trips to beaches in dinghies, events with other clubs, supporting class taster session for juniors and bringing back Rusty's Reggata. Keep an eye on our Training Facebook page for further details and make suggestions.

Fancy helping out? Please email me at training@foweygallantssc.co.uk if you are able to help make all this happen or have any further ideas or suggestions!

Facebook click here to find our Facebook page and follow.

THANK YOU SIMON! Simon McEvoy was Chief instructor for the last three years and brought with him a great enthusiasm for sailing and loved sharing his vast experience and knowledge with everyone. This included tales of sailing his Wayfarer across the North Sea to The Netherlands - not for the faint hearted! The club would like to thank Simon for all his hard work so far and we look forward to seeing him at the club this season helping out on occasions.

Jaz at the helm of Helen Mary helping out Morvagh Trust Sailing Project

I am so excited for this season and can't wait to help people get out on the water.

All the best,

Jaz :)