The RYA officially launched its exciting new suite of Foiling Courses at the RYA Dinghy Show.

RYA First Flights, Sustained Flights and Performance Flights will initially be run as pilot courses and aim to bring the thrill of foiling to the masses.

Sitting within the RYA Sailing and Windsurfing schemes, the pilot courses provide a structure for those looking to learn, progress or enhance their skills.

The courses will enable sailors to progress from their initial foiling taster to sustaining flight, then on to foiling manoeuvres.

RYA Chief Instructor for Dinghy and Windsurfing Amanda Van Santen is the instigator of the pilot, having spotting a need for foiling to become more accessible to mainstream sailing.

She said: ‘It was my aspiration to make foiling more accessible and through our RYA Training Centres delivering safe tuition, I believe we are perfectly placed to do this. Our network of participating centres, who have invested in specific equipment, provide an easier and moreaccessible route through; correctly set up kit; and trained Instructors in a safe environment. In as little as two hours you may have potentially experienced your first foiling take-off.

‘The exhilaration when foiling is just the most amazing experience, it makes you grin like a Cheshire cat! The interest and enthusiasm we have received is truly sensational.’

2018 is a pilot year for RYA Training, with participating centres across the UK and Overseas such as SWAC, Bray Lake, Queen Mary, Andrew Simpson, Mark Warner, Galloway Watersports and Wildwind, to name just a few. All taking part and delivering the pilot RYA Foiling course, expanding the availability of tuition.

However, more established and dedicated foiling centres such ProVela and OTC, can provide a wider range of equipment and more advanced tuition.

When asked how it feels to foil, RYA Sailing Coach Assessor, Shaun Priestley, said: “You’ll never forget the first time you fly above the water, huge acceleration and silence makes it an amazing experience. However, sustaining flight is a more complex skill, similar to learning to use the harness in windsurfing – you’re sure to experience a few crashes!”

Amanda adds: ‘I can’t wait to see the hard work and dedication people have committed come into fruition, and see foiling delivered through RYA Training Centre’s, enabling more people to access and experience the amazing feeling.’

www.dinghyshow.org.uk

 

 

 

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