Derbyshire Scouts Sailing (DSS)

Derbyshire Scouts Activity Support Unit

Since the late 1980s the Scout Association in Derbyshire have run their own sailing active support unit offering Young People from the Scout and Guiding movements an opportunity to experience dinghy sailing activities and to gain RYA sailing qualifications. From 2009 these sessions have been run from Carsington Sailing Club.

The volunteer Sailing Team runs a variety of sessions though the summer months, for up to 12 at a time. During wthese sessions young people can gain a taster in sailing or work towards RYA Stage 1 and 2. Once they have achieved this they can progress further through the RYA scheme to work towards their Assistant Instructor qualification and beyond, allowing us to grow our own instructors. The exact mix of sessions that are run each year varies to meet demand.

We also run sailing sessions as part of occasional large scale events, run by Derbyshire County and beyond. These have a more visible presence at the Club, as they include weekends.

The Unit generally caters for young people ranging in age from 10 18 (Scout through to the Explorer Scout sections). RYA qualified instructors run all of the sessions, and are supported by qualified safety boat cover.

We have a fleet of singled handed Toppers; two-handed Fevas & some larger dinghies. These are complemented by the availability of two Rescue Boats. Buoyancy Aids are provided, and there also some wetsuits available to borrow when the need arises.

To date we have not had anyone go to the Olympics, or sail round the world, but some young people have gone on to do some offshore sailing  and abroad too, when taking part in the Tall Ship events. Whatever their level of ability the young people can experience the exhilaration, and excitement, of wind on their faces that sailing offers and maybe, there may be a budding Olympian waiting to get their feet wet?!

Courses available this year

Evening Taster Sessions RYA Young Sailor Scheme Courses Stages 1 & 2

If you have connections with a local Scout ground and would like to make a booking please visit the Derbyshire Scouts Website.

Many thanks go to Carsington Sailing Club for the immense amount of practical support and general goodwill offered to Derbyshire Scout Sailing over the years, which has allowed it to develop to its present status. We hope to repay by increasing awareness of what the Club can offer and participation in sailing generally.

The support, either regular or occasional from the Club members is invaluable. Anyone willing to join the Sailing Team will be very welcome. If you are interested please contact Joe Scurrah, Mike Stoker or John Meggitt.