1965 - 2020 Dinghies at Tighnabruaich

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As in all walks of life, technology moves forward at a pace and dinghy sailing is no exception. Over the years our dinghies have considerably changed from wooden, heavy, and maintenance nightmares to light, thermal plastic or composites, a dream to maintain and handle ashore.

The sailing school originally taught on traditional boats local to the Clyde area and the west coast of Scotland. The Loch Long was a solid keelboat capable of carrying a crew of four and crucially keeping them dry. Particularly special to the sailing school was the ‘Kyles of Bute’ dinghy, ‘Midge’, built by Smith’s Boatyard in Tighnabruaich. It was a less forgiving dinghy, something instructors would often find out too late; standing on the foredeck frequently resulted in a capsize! Lastly, the Loch Fyne Skiff, called Iolaire, a boat popular with the herring fleet on Loch Fyne, is very different from todays modern dinghies. The dipping lugsails definitely made learning the ropes more interesting.

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Iolaire still sails today. Fiona’s Dad rescued it from the boatyard and did a fantastic job renovating her and making her sound again. She is now moored in the shallows in Tarbert Harbour and has become a welcome landmark in the village. She last sailed in the Kyles of Bute in 2005 during our 40th anniversary celebrations.

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The dinghy perhaps used the most for teaching sailing was the Wayfarer. It’s stability and seaworthiness was the perfect combination for beginners. Robin’s favourite was ‘Iaro’, but with a fleet of 8, there were plenty to choose from. Who remembers Mathew, Rhum, Islay, Jura, Kay, Jasmine, Pirate, Zenith, Snoopy and Jess? Obviously islands were a popular choice to name the dinghies, but who would have thought a Dulux colour card would inspire some names!

When you progressed from the basic course, and the reassurance of the Wayfarer, fibreglass Enterprises were the norm. With a large blue sail and a small hull they were arguably more difficult to sail than the advanced 420 dinghy!

In time, a fleet of Toppers were purchased for the young sailors. The small single handed polypropolene boats are still popular today and our local Kyles of Bute Sailing Club use them to train our local children. The sailing school replaced the Toppers with Picos, a fantastic and versatile dinghy to teach sailing and build confidence with those new to the sport.

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As replacements boats were required over the years, performance dinghies with spinnakers, asymetrics and trapeze were introduced. Laser 1 and 2’s, followed by the Laser 3000, 4000, RS Feva, RS 600, Dart 16 and Ovington 49er.

Instructors of a certain era (think 1980’s) will remember ‘The Wildfire’, a locally built unusual design. She was almost a miniature yacht with a keel capable of being removed and two separate cockpits. How many were built is unknown, however in Tighnabruaich she was legendary,  popular with some and a punishment for others, and with a name like ‘Jeopardy’, no wonder!

our instructors

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Tighnabruaich Sailing School instructors live and work very closely together for the summer season, so it is no surprise they end up a very close-knit group who remain friends for life. Hundreds of young people have moved through the ranks from ‘keen young instructor’ to senior instructor on the water since the inception of the sailing school in the 1960’s.

Historically, instructors would stay with Robin either in his house or in a tiny caravan in his garden. The overflow of instructors would stay at the Youth Hostel. When Derek and Fiona moved the sailing school to Carry Farm, instructor’s stayed in larger static caravans on site. During the past ten years, most of our instructors have been ‘home-grown’ and hence live at Carry Farm. It does of course result in the morning instructor briefing mostly taking place over breakfast! The instructors have all trained at Tighnabruaich Sailing School and are well briefed on the standard of care expected of them.  The loyal team have years of experience of delivering excellence and as a result of many being brought up in the area, have an in depth knowledge of the environment they work in.

Derek is of course the boss on the water, but here is a quick introduction to his team of fantastic instructors.

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Oscar, Derek’s son, is from Tighnabruaich and has been afloat from a very young age! He has instructed at the school for 9 years, starting as an assistant instructor before gaining his RYA qualifcations. He studied Naval Architecture at Strathclyde University for a couple of years before leaving for exciting new times. Oscar is a very keen yacht racer and spends most weekends racing in the Clyde or further afield in the RC35 class.

Theo, Oscar’s younger brother, was also brought up in Tighnabruaich and has spent much of his life either on or in the water! He has sailed for many years gaining his RYA Instructor Certificate in 2015. Theo is a serving crew member on the local RNLI lifeboat and is studying Marine Science in Oban. Theo is very experienced on our waters and is a very keen windsurfer and kitesurfer. A very valuable member of our team.

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Erin started her career as an instructor at a very young age, looking after her wee brother’s Oscar and Theo on the water, whilst her parent’s Derek and Fiona were instructing. Now an expert, she still finds time to keep up her instructing whilst on holiday from her job as a farm vet. Of course her sheep-dog Mira has to come along too!

Eve, Derek’s niece, learnt to sail at Carry Farm and spent her summers sailing with her family on the west coast on their Contessa 32. She has instructed for us for many years, first as an assistant instructor before gaining her RYA Instructor Certificate in 2013. Eve is an award winning textile designer, graduating from Glasgow Art School in 2018 with a fantastic career ahead of her. Luckily for us, she is still keen to sail and pass on her experience to our pupils, whilst racing for fun at weekends.

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Bret, Eve’s younger brother, enjoys sailing with his family on the west coast of Scotland and has spent the majority of his summers sailing at Tighnabruaich Sailing School. When not on the water in Tighnabruaich he studies Mechanical Engineering at Glasgow University. Like Theo, Bret is a keen windsurfer and kitesurfer and they are often found on the water together having fun. Ask him about his Mini!

Rachel has spent the past 16 summers at Tighnabruaich and learnt to sail joining her older siblings and friends on the water. At long last she is now an Instructor , qualifying in 2019 - the best things in life are always worth waiting for! In her final year at school, we are privileged that Rachel is keen to spend every summer with us and we hope that we have many more years of her chat to keep us going. Rachel’s skills extend well beyond sailing, she can frequently be found cleaning the toilet block to an exceptionally high standard.

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Meggie, Rachel’s big sister, learnt to sail at Tighnabruaich, spending her summers at Carry Farm whilst she learnt the ropes on the water. A fantastically patient instructor, she will help the most cautious to be confident on the water. Meggie is currently studying Psychology with Education at Bath University. The Sailing School would not be the same without her!

Catriona first came to Tighnabruaich to learn to sail when she was 11 years old and has never looked back. Her enthusiasm helps to keep everyone happy even on the most challenging of days. Catriona is studying law at Cambridge University, but is really just passing time until she can get back to Tighnabruaich to sail her recently purchased RS600 waiting for her in the boat field!

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Lets help to make a difference

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Car Sticker

Car Sticker

The Marine Conservation Society is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. For over thirty years MCS has been the voice for the sea for all the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves, for our breath-taking coastal environment, for all those who make a sustainable living from the sea and for everyone who simply enjoys visiting the beach and our glorious coastline.

We have 500 stickers to sell and hope to raise £750 from the profits to donate to the the Marine Conservation Society to help fund towards all the great work they do on our behalf to protect our precious shores. Help us reach our goal by buying a sticker from our website.

Thank you !

Don't miss the boat!

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The summer is officially over and Autumn is in its full glory with stunning colours abound. There are fewer boats around, however it is far from a quiet time of year.  Dinghies require de-rigging for the winter months, sails washed, mended and hung up in the sail shed and engines given their winter service.  

As we tuck up the boats, we start to think about our 2018 courses. Dates are now online and available to book, with some courses already oversubscribed!  If you think you might be interested in joining us on the water on Argyll's Secret Coast, then please check out availability before it is too late.

In amongst all the tidying up and office work, we do, however, manage to find some time to get out onto the water ourselves. Stunning sails, moon jelly fish swarms and the exciting prospect of spotting a basking shark on their southerly migration from our Hebridean shores, makes for some exciting sailing.  

In fact, in recent years, there has been so much interest in the southerly migration of basking sharks, that Basking Shark Scotland now run research trips, based at Carry Farm for 3 weeks in the Autumn, to help study the southerly migration of the gentle giants in the Clyde area.

If you fancy getting involved, there are a few places left this Autumn for you to join them whilst they are based in our area.  Contact Shane for further information.

And don't forget, now is also an ideal time to see the Aurora Borealis.  If you fancy a weekend in our lodges by the shore, enjoying an evening on the balcony studying our dark skies, please check the availability of our lodges.  It is a really beautiful time of year to enjoy the natural world on our doorstep.

Aurora Borealis over Tighnabruaich seen from Carry Farm.

Aurora Borealis over Tighnabruaich seen from Carry Farm.

The Sea is calling.........

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If the sea is calling, there is no better way to learn the ropes than dinghy sailing at Tighnabruaich Sailing School on Argyll’s Secret Coast.  We are less than 2 hours from Glasgow and steeped in maritime history, surrounded by stunning scenery and idyllic sheltered bays. Are you dreaming of sailing the west coast on your own yacht, but do not know where to start?  We can help you.

Why start your sailing career in a dinghy?  In general, you will learn more in a few hours on a dinghy than in a month on a bigger boat. The necessity for the helm to continually move their weight around to help keep the boat upright,  helps to give you an understanding and develop an inner feel for the complex interaction between sails, hull and rudder, wind and wave.  Responses become automatic quicker!  There is nothing like a dunking to concentrate the mind on staying upright!

As a result, dinghy sailors tend to have very good wind awareness and therefore a better understanding of sail handling.

Of course, dinghy sailing is also excellent for keeping you in good shape.  However, we do have to warn you, sailing so close to the water is exhilarating and can become addictive!

Sailing is one of the most accessible sports in the country, whether you live by the sea or inland, and it is among the most rewarding.  Owning a dinghy does not have to be expensive.  There are a plethora of great dinghies to be found on the 2nd hand market and plenty of clubs around the country to support you in your sailing.  Alternatively, tow it behind your car to stunning locations like Argyll’s Secret Coast, and take to the sea in our sheltered waters, but make sure you have first learnt the basics at Tighnabruaich Sailing School and are safe at all times.

Once you have learnt the basics, you might want to move onto something bigger to sail further afield.  The solid appreciation of the wind and sails that you will have learnt on a dinghy, are all transferrable to larger boats and will stand you in very good stead.

So what is stopping you? Our next adult course is on the bank holiday weekend 14/15 April 2018.  Is it not time you took to the sea? After all, there is absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats!

At Close Quarters with Tighnabruaich Sailing School

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Tighnabruaich Sailing School is warming up to its 52nd season of training accomplished sailors, but how did it all begin?  Robin Stephens started the school in 1965 when he bought 5 dinghies from his former employer, the Scottish Youth Hostel Association.  For the next 34 years he took to the water during the summer months, along with his motley crew of keen young instructors.  The Hostel in Tighnabruaich continued to play an important role being the popular choice of accommodation for the intrepid sailors.  Under Robin's command, the sailing school flourished as he introduced more and more land lubbers to the delights of scudding along a wave,  sails filled with a fresh wind on your face. 

The first boats on the water were a mix of traditional wooden dinghies, mostly local designs, such as the Kyles of Bute Dinghy, Loch Long and Loch Fyne Skiff, many of which are still to be found out sailing on the Kyles of Bute. 

In 1981, a young man called Derek came on a sailing course, refining his skills honed at Newbiggin by the Sea sailing club, where he raced the popular Laser 1.  Once bitten, forever smitten, and he came back to work as an instructor in 1987.  The next year, Fiona joined as an instructor, and a new phase of the sailing school began!

Robin with Derek and Fiona at the 40th celebrations.

Derek managed the school for Robin for many years, before he took the helm, with Fiona alongside, in the spring of 1999.  Robin enjoyed retirement, watching the dinghies sailing past his sitting room window and found the time to pursue his other passion, painting.  Of course, he still kept an eye on the lunchtime forecast, a routine that was by now well embedded into his daily activities!

Sadly, Robin died in 2007, but his legacy continues to grow from strength to strength.  Derek and Fiona moved the sailing school to Carry Farm to allow for expansion into the residential market, as by now, the SYHA had closed the hostel in Tighnabruaich.  Chartroom and shower facilities were built to provide an on shore training area, crucial for those wilder days when getting out onto the water was tricky.

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails! Tighnabruaich Sailing School has weathered many storms during its 52 years, not least the chill winds from subsidised local authority run centres that popped up during the early 80’s.  However, outdoor activity has never been so popular as it is now, and combined with the glorious backdrop of Argyll’s Secret Coast, has helped Tighnabruaich Sailing School ride a wave at the top of its game.  Not many centres, if any, have survived so well for so long,  it has never been so easy to be Wild About Argyll!  6 day courses have been replaced with a combination of 5 day, weekend or flexible private tuition to ensure as many sailors as possible have the opportunity to learn the ropes. 

Tighnabruaich Sailing School is unique in Scotland in that it is the only privately run, coastal dinghy sailing school. Many centres are run from inland lochs, however, once you have sailed at Tighnabruaich, you soon learn it is not a patch on the real thing!  Instead of a superficial tasting of a variety of sports, Tighnabruaich concentrates on one, with a high standard of teaching at all levels.  The school has massively benefited from the continuity of management style, with a seamless transition between Robin and Derek - both having a passion for sailing and love of the sea.  And a measure of this success is the fact that every year, around 70% of customers return to learn more.  It can only be a good sign when grandchildren of original instructors now attend the Sailing School, having listened to many a yarn of happy memories of summers messing about on boats. 

Ex-instructors gather at the 40th celebrations in 2005.

Royal Yachting Association courses are available for all levels of ability throughout the sailing season.  Powerboating courses compliment the dinghy sailing, helping to train water sport enthusiasts on the art of staying safe and boat control.  Of course, the fleet of dinghies has also moved with the times and there are now more than 25 moulded, plastic, modern designs, which not only require less maintenance than the traditional wooden dinghies, but overall help to speed up the learning process.

Throughout its 52 years, thousands of sailors have learnt to sail at Tighnabruaich, many of whom return again and again, captivated by the mystical lure of the area. Tighnabruaich Sailing School continues to inspire another generation of future sea-farers, providing residential and non-residential courses for adults and children from the age of 8. Is it time you took to the sea?

 

Top 5 reasons to join our youth residential course.

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We all want our children to grow up happy and confident. Find out the top 5 reasons why a residential course at Tighnabruaich Sailing School can positively contribute to a child's development whilst ensuring they have fun during the long summer holidays.  Argyll's Secret Coast is the ideal adventure playground, and is only 2 hours from Glasgow.

1. Exposure to diversity and new friends

Kids learn the world is a big place with lots of people, who might do things differently than they are used to.  And what could be better than learning this in a safe, family environment with positive role models teaching them new skills every day.  Navigating and building new friendships teaches children to be socially confident, a skill that will always stand them in good stead as they grow up and leave home for university and the wider world. 

2. Self-esteem boost

When children are staying with us residentially, they become more confident at making friends whilst slowly and safely learning to survive in the big bad world without Mum and Dad.  Sailing, as an activity, is a great confidence booster as they master the skills required to manoeuvre a boat and perform at their best.  Succeeding out on the water and working with the elements, gives children the sense that they can achieve anything they put their mind to.  Coupled with a residential stay, the benefits are without a doubt multiplied.  We get enormous satisfaction watching our regular residential children slowly mature into confident young adults, helping the younger and newer children get the most out of their week at Tighnabruaich.

3. Develops independence

When children stay with us, they are empowered to take care of themselves under the watchful and experienced eye of Fiona, and the results are priceless.  Children learn that they can thrive away from their parents - and vice versa!  We have all listened incredulously at how well our children have behaved/ slept/ picked up socks/ etc when away from us!  In a small, caring, family group, children want to respect others and be capable - this can only be good news for parents.   Children lacking in confidence will begin to trust their own abilities, and those already confident will continue to thrive.

4.  Home from home

The residential school never exceeds ten children living together in the house at Carry Farm in purpose built accommodation, with Fiona, Derek and their family.  The children are encouraged to come into the kitchen for a chat at any time, are asked to feed the chickens and donkey, collect eggs, make their beds and generally muck in!  It is home from home, with a few extra kids and change of face giving out the usual instructions, from teeth brushing to setting the table.  The home cooking is all made by Fiona and the keen bakers amongst the children can help to ice the chocolate cake or make the waffles.  The relaxed family environment never fails to bring out the best in all the children who enjoy mixing with each other regardless of age.

5. Active and outdoors

Not only will the children spend all day out on the water, but after a hot shower and good food, and if the weather permits, it is then back outside for our evening activity.   Whether we are toasting marshmallows down on the beach, swimming in the bay, playing games at the stunning Ostel Bay or going out on the RIB for some action, it is sometimes hard to bring them in when time for bed.  Of course, it does not take them long to fall asleep!   We encourage electronic devices to be left at home, although understand that for some it is a step too far!  However, those prone to spending too much time on their phone find that real interaction is actually really good fun.  In fact, by the end of the week when they are packing to go home, it can sometimes be hard to find the phone as it has long been forgotten!

Tighnabruaich Sailing School run residential courses for children during their school holidays.  Places are limited each week so check availability and prices on our website. And please do not hesitate to contact  Fiona or Derek if you have any questions or concerns. 

5 reasons why your child should learn to sail.

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Children thrive on learning new skills, especially during an exciting week forming new friendships at Tighnabruaich Sailing School.  Sailing encompasses many traits and skills that your child can use throughout almost all aspects of life.  Below are 5 reasons why your children should be taking to the water next summer.

1. Self-Confidence

There is simply nothing like being able to steer your own boat at the age of 9 years old. Riding a bike is one thing. Skillfully steering a sailing dinghy is quite another.  Sailing can be one of the most instrumental activities in helping to shape a child's future. When a child is given the opportunity to helm a dinghy, they feel as if they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. This confidence is hugely beneficial in a child’s education and social life.

2.    Spatial Awareness

When you sail you learn how to avoid collisions as well as how to navigate through tight spaces and corners. Developing confidence in spatial awareness will help your child navigate the awkward teenage years and the transferable skill will help bring them prowess in other activities that involve coordination and critical thinking like learning to drive.

3.    Sense of Direction

When out sailing, kids will learn how to navigate the waters by distinguishing landmarks and determining directions. By mastering this skill, they beginning to understand how to get from A to B, and as a result are better able to assess their surroundings, it become a regular part of their stream of consciousness. That awareness is crucial to having a sense of direction.

4.    Weather Knowledge

Knowing what direction the wind is coming from, how strong it is, and when it is inappropriate to take to the water, are all things your child will learn when he or she becomes a sailor. By the end of their week on the water, your child will be looking up at the clouds and assessing conditions everyday on their way out the door. Definitely a handy observation.

5.    Shipshape Habits

A crucial part of learning to sail is ensuring proper preparation before departing from the shore. Learning to rig a dinghy and then de-rig and tidy up at the end of the day is drilled into all dinghy sailors. Children will learn that precision and teamwork is imperative to success.  And you never know, "a tidy boat is safe afloat" may be a skill they can apply to their bedroom - we can live in hope!

Learning to sail is not just about filling an active child’s summer holidays.  It is a gift for life that will never leave them, and one which they will return to again and again.  Our residential and non-residential courses will have your children hooked for life.  Book now to avoid disappointment.  Numbers are limited to ensure a quality of care and tuition for every child. Any questions, please be in touch, we are more than happy to discuss your child's requirement.  We look forward to teaching your child on the water in 2017!

RYA Dinghy Show 2017

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Once again, we have signed up for another weekend at the RYA Dinghy Show in London held at Alexandra Palace on the 4-5th March 2017.  Find us in our usual spot in the Great Hall stand number D8.

The show is a must for all keen dinghy sailors whether you are looking to browse all the different classes and makes of dinghies on offer, buy new kit for the season or get some coaching tips from some famous names! 

Buy your tickets directly from the RYA  and save on the price at the door.  Put it in your diary now and if you have never been before, you will not be disappointed.

Blokart - Latest addition to fleet!

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We have just taken delivery of a Blokart to ensure we have loads of fun on the odd day when it is too windy to take to the sea.  Of course Derek had to take it out for a test drive on his recent visit to Tiree!  The challenge will be to sail around a triangular course in the boat field - should be fun!  And if it is still breezy in the evening, we can take it to nearby Ostel Bay for some time trials up and down the beach.