Junior sailing

Boats to borrow, experienced sailors happy to help, and a growing junior section with its own fleet and races.

Our junior section is one of the most active parts of the club, and one of the most enjoyable parts of a weekend at HSC. Young sailors of all ages and abilities come down throughout the season — some just to get out on the water, others working towards racing. Either way, there’s always a good atmosphere: kids on the river, parents on the bank with a drink, and usually a BBQ going at some point.

In 2025, the club was named one of just three national winners in Sunsail’s Funding the Future competition, backed by the RYA. More than sixty clubs entered from across the UK. The winning entry was written by one of our junior members — and the junior sailors themselves chose how the prize money would be spent. They voted to expand the junior fleet, adding a third Pico and two more Optimists. Heading into 2026, we now have three Optimists for younger beginners and three Picos for those ready to go faster.

Our junior fleet

We have a fleet of boats chosen specifically for younger and less experienced sailors.

Wednesday and Friday afternoon sailing

On many Wednesday and Friday afternoons throughout the sailing season, members come down for a sociable sail on the river — and juniors are especially welcome. There are usually experienced sailors around to help younger or less confident sailors rig up, get afloat, and find their feet. No structured instruction, just willing hands and people who know the boats well.

On Fridays, sessions often end with a picnic on the lawn. On Wednesdays there's sometimes recreational sailing before the evening racing starts at 6pm — a good chance to watch more experienced sailors and get a feel for racing before joining in yourself.

Fridays aren't guaranteed every week — they depend on who's around. Check the club's WhatsApp group or contact the junior co-ordinator to find out when the next one is.

Sunday racing - the junior pathway

In 2026, on Sundays when the junior-specific Moss Cup is being raced (Sunday afternoons from April to October, 13:30 start), experienced club members aim to be at the club from around midday to help junior sailors get rigged up and on the water before racing begins.

There’s no obligation to race — juniors are welcome to sail alongside and get a feel for it. But if they’d like to enter the Moss Cup, they can.

Junior racing 2026

There are three junior racing events in the 2026 programme — a season-long series, a one-day cup, and a one-day trophy.

Each of the one-day events has a BBQ — before, during, or after racing depending on the day. Kids can run around on the lawns while the racing is on, adults can watch from the riverbank with a drink, and everyone ends up eating together. It’s as much a social occasion as a race.

Outside help is allowed in all junior races — so if you’re not sure about the course or the rules, someone can guide you from the bank or the patrol boat. It’s designed to be a first step, not a test.

For parents

You don’t need to sail yourself — plenty of our junior sailors come from non-sailing families. Parents are very welcome to stay, watch from the bank, or use the clubhouse bar. There are usually other parents around on Friday evenings and race days.

All junior activities take place with experienced adult members present and a safety boat on the water. The club has a full safeguarding policy in place.

Want to find out more?

Get in touch and we’ll put you in contact with our junior co-ordinator, who can answer any questions and arrange a time to show you around the club.

enquiries@henleysailingclub.org