Safety
All Sail HYSTS sailing sessions are conducted by an RYA qualified Senior Dinghy Instructor.
Rescue Boats
Sail HYSTS operates two Rescue Boats which are crewed and in attendance to meet our Operating Procedures and Sailing Guidelines. Generally we have both Rescue Boats operating during each sailing session. They are powered by reliable 20 HP Tohatsu 4 stroke outboard engines fitted with propeller guards. Both Rescue Boats have radio contact with each other, the Shore Contact and the Emergency Services.
Dinghies
To prevent inversion in the event of a capsize, all our dinghies are fitted with floatation equipment. The Hartley 15 has a floatation collar fitted to the mast, the RS Fevas have a floatation pad sewn into the head of the mainsail, and the Topper has a floatation buoy attached to the masthead.
Shore Contacts
A Shore Contact is in attendance for each session to liaise with those on the water and also with the Emergency Services should they be required.
Training
Sailors
Sail HYSTS provides instruction, safety cover, buoyancy aids, helmets and wet weather gear. Sailors are strongly advised to bring a change of warm clothing, a towel, closed toe wet shoes and sun cream.
Sail HYSTS requires all sailors to be confident in the water. No one is allowed on or near the water unless they are wearing an approved buoyancy aid.
Instructors
All Sail HYSTS’s instructors hold a valid, recognised qualification from the RYA for the role they undertake at Sail HYSTS.
Sail HYSTS’s staff members, all of whom are volunteers, hold an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate within the meaning of sections 113B and 116 of the Police Act 1997, as do the Senior Instructors. The Senior Instructors also have valid RYA approved First Aid Qualifications.
RYA Certification
Sail HYSTS is a recognised RYA Training Centre and is inspected annually. These inspections ensure that HYSTS’s policies and procedures are up to date and that all the staff are suitably qualified.
Sail HYSTS works closely with the RYA Onboard organisation to offer tuition to National Youth Dinghy Sailing Scheme standards as well as the Youth Sailing Scheme.
All policies and procedures required by the Charity Commission and the RYA including Sail HYSTS’s Safeguarding Policy are available on the Documents page.
