Please read the list of questions before contacting us, we may have already answered your question.
Young People Afloat
1. What time do we start?
We start at 6 o'clock and finish between 8:15 and 8:45 depending on the conditions and light available.
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2. What evenings do we operate?
Our normal operating evening is Wednesday, however we do run a Monday evening
taster session for potential members who are on the waiting list.
These sessions run the same as Wednesday evening sessions starting at 6 o'clock and finishing between 8:15 and 8:45.
When the evenings remain light we tend to use this time, as long as the wind
stays up and the conditions are good.
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3. What should I bring?
You will need several layers to keep you warm, it's always cooler on the
water than on the land,
so bring several thin tee shirts, cotton sweat shirts etc.
Bring some light trousers not jeans as these stick to you and don't keep you warm, joggers
or something light and warm.
Bring a lightweight jacket, Kagoul or something similar.
Bring some old trainers which will be okay to get wet.
Bring a towel to dry yourself.
Bring a complete spare set of clothes and shoes.
Bring a hot drink and something to eat.
We have plenty of buoyancy aids so don't bring these.
Have a plastic bag to take your wet things home.
If it's cold bring a hat as you lose 50% of your heat through your head.
If you wear glasses take a strap to hold them on, or a piece of string to tie them on with.
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4. What are the minimum and maximum ages?
Youngsters must be at least 9 years old at the start of the YPA season.
The maximum age we teach to is 18.
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5. What will it cost?
The current fees for 2008 are £33 membership, there are reductions for more than one child.
There is also a joining fee of £15, one off payment per family.
There is a weekly attendance fee of £8 per evening which can be purchased in a block of 4 with a £2 saving.
The Monday evening taster session cost is undecided at present
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6. What is the YPA season?
YPA starts sailing in April and continues until September,
We sail through the school holidays including the summer.
We have a skeleton staff over the summer and youngsters are welcome to use the boats.
Safety boat cover will be as normal.
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Here are the answers to the Questions
7. What is the Monday evening taster session?
Our normal operating evening is Wednesday, but we are limited to the number of youngsters who can attend.
We have for the past few years run a Monday evening course but this season,
2008, we have decided to do away with the Monday evening course and replace it
with a Monday taster session, this consists of two Monday evening sessions
during July. Potential members who are on the waiting list will be invited to
attend one of the Monday evening taster sessions. Their name will remain on the
waiting list and they will be invited to join next season, places permitting.
These Monday evening taster sessions take the same format as the Wednesday evening sessions, starting at 6
o'clock and finishing between 8:15 and 8:45.
While the evenings remain light we try to use this time, as long as the wind stays up.
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8. When will I receive my award?
Awards are presented at the AGM which will be held in the middle of September.
These are dependent upon the required standard being achieved.
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9. What happens at the AGM?
There are short reports on the sailing season, which is followed by a
celebration of the youngsters' successes and the awards are presented.
The AGM is held on the next Wednesday evening after the last sailing session (about mid September).
YPA's AGMs are always well attended.
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10. What happens in bad weather?
It is very rare that YPA does not run due to adverse conditions.
In the unlikely event every reasonable effort will be made to contact you by telephone.
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11. Do I need to contact anyone if I cannot attend?
If you know that you can't make the following week please let us know.
Feel free to drop us an email members@ypasailing.org.uk this is probably the best way.
Bear in mind that most of the instructors travel straight from work to the lake and don't return
home until after the sailing session, so any messages left will not be relayed until after the session.
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12. If I have paid the evening fees and can't attend what happens to the fee?
Any fees paid will be moved to the next session.
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13. If my name is on the waiting list when am I likely to become a member?
At the start of the season any spaces are filled from the top of the waiting list.
If your name is on the waiting list and you have been unsuccessful we will let
you know.
However you will be invited to attend a Monday evening taster session in July.
If there are no spaces then your name will go onto the following years' waiting list.
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14. I have a friend already a member, will I sail with them?
If your friend is already a member then you will be in different groups.
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