Cadets & Community Sailing
Family Cadet Membership
Family Cadet membership is open to all those aged 8-18 years (or to 24 if in full-time education) who have parents or grandparents who are members of YYC. We run an active summer programme for Cadet members in the sheltered waters of Newton Creek and, conditions permitting, around to Cellars Beach, either with your own dinghies or our small fleet of Optimist, Laser, Pico and RS-Feva club dinghies. Further information and Entry / Consent forms in the Documentation linked below.
Key Dates for the Diary
- 2026 – Cadets Sailing Programme Latest update published under “Useful Links”. All events are shown on the YYC Home page calendar
- Or – download the Cadets calendar to your phone or computer calendar using This Link
Documentation
To register for cadet programme, you will need to read the Essential Info and Risk assessment documents below, and then complete the Google Forms online application for each cadet HERE (opens in new browser tab)
If you have questions or require further information then please email cadets@yealmyachtclub.co.uk
“When we enrolled Tom as a cadet initially, we were a little nervous as we don’t sail as a family. But Tom had a fantastic year! We’ve now bought a boat and are joining as a whole family.” - Karen Jaggs, YYC family member
How it works
Age eligibility – children are eligible to join cadets when they are 8 years old.
Parental support – the cadet’s programme relies on the help of parents. The overall programme includes a rota of duties and we would appreciate everyone doing their share to make this fantastic activity run.
Parental responsibility – as you will appreciate, sailing comes with its risks, something that we anticipate and manage with vigilance at every session. It’s important that parents read the risk assessment thoroughly and understand that they are responsible for their children at all times throughout every session.
Boats ownership & crewing – All sailing cadets inevitably need boats! It is advisable to procure a boat, such as a Tera, Topper, Laser Pico or similar craft, to ensure your child has maximum time on the water, but there is also the possibility to jump in as crew and/or use some of the club boats we have available for use (Optmists, Picos, Fevas) and this can be arranged via the attendance form. In every case, the parent on duty will do their best to ensure everyone has a turn in a boat.
Numbers – there have been occasions where the number of children wanting to sail exceeds the number of supervisors. In these circumstances, Yealm Yacht Club reserves the right to restrict the number of boats on the water for safety reasons.
Rules – while we understand all children want to have fun, we are mindful of safety at all times. We expect all cadets to listen to the parent on duty and act responsibly both on and off the water.
Club Membership – Apart from the Discovery Fleet (Community Sailing – see below), Cadets and their parents (or grandparents) need to be full members of the club. The current options are full Family Membership, which provides full access to the club for two parents and their children whenever the club is open, Cadet Family Membership, which offers access to the club for two parents and their children but only during Cadet sessions, or One Parent Family Membership, which offers full club access for one parent and their children. For current rates and registration please use the online club membership system HERE (opens in new browser tab). Note that you will also need to register each Cadet wishing to sail in the Cadet programme using the Google form linked above under “Documentation”
Dinghy storage – Limited boat spaces for YYC Members (adults & cadets) are available at both the Club Slip and the Patch. Both are allocated at the beginning of the season and applications should be made via the online Dinghy Storage Application Form HERE – please sign into the membership system when prompted and then follow the green “Register” link.
2026 Community Sailing – Beginners Sessions at Yealm Yacht Club
This year we have changed the format of Community Sailing and due to our in-house RYA qualified instructors, we have been able to set up weekend Community Sailing Beginners Sessions, mainly aimed at children in Years 3–4, age 8 upwards.
These are beginner sessions using a mix of Oppies, Teras or Picos, depending on age and ability, with the aim of building confidence on the water and getting children sailing independently.
The plan is to run weekend sessions throughout the summer term, culminating in the village regatta Oppie race on Sat 18th July. Please see the Community Sailing Programme link below.
Open to both members and non-members of Yealm Yacht Club, a Community Sailing temporary membership option is available to the attendees of these sessions.
The proposed dates and times are linked below. Please email Keith Phillips to sign up or express interest at oppies@yealmyachtclub.co.uk
- YYC Community Sailing Programme (PDF)