Safety
All sailing sessions are conducted by a RYA qualified Senior Dinghy Instructor.
Rescue Boats
HYSTS operates two Rescue Boats, both of which are crewed and in attendance during all sailing sessions. They are powered by 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 above the mainsail, all of our RS Fevas have a floatation pad sewn into the head of the mainsail, and the Toppers have floatation buoys attached to the mast head.
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
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.
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 HYSTS’s instructors hold a valid, recognised qualification from the RYA for the role they undertake at HYSTS.
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
HYSTS is a recognised RYA Training Centre and is inspected annually. These inspections ensure that HYSTS’s processes and procedures are up to date and that all the staff are suitably qualified.
HYSTS works closely with the RYA Onboard organisation to offer tuition to National Youth Dinghy Sailing Scheme standards as well as the Young Sailors Scheme.
Documentation required by the Charity Commission and the RYA, including HYSTS’s Children Protection Policy is available on the Documents page.
