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Six evenings on Christchurch Harbour teach basic dinghy skills, tides, and seamanship from ShoreSports at Mudeford Quay. Ideal for new sailors who want repeated on-water practice, friendly coaching, and local coastal knowledge.
Six evenings on Christchurch Harbour teach basic dinghy skills, tides, and seamanship from ShoreSports at Mudeford Quay. Ideal for new sailors who want repeated on-water practice, friendly coaching, and local coastal knowledge.
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Operated by ShoreSports · Christchurch
On the edge of Christchurch Harbour at Mudeford Quay, HSC Blokes in Boats Beginner Course offers six hands-on evenings that teach you to sail a dinghy and read the tide. Run from the ShoreSports Trailer, Mudeford Quay, this six-week series runs on Fridays from late April into June and balances time on the water with short shore drills so you spend more time learning afloat than watching diagrams. Each session is approximately two hours long; expect to be wet, focused, and smiling. The instructors—likely to be Nick and Lucy, both RYA-qualified dinghy instructors—bring a mix of experience and encouraging coaching. The fleet uses H12s and H15s plus Shoresports and HSC zests, with safety boats and buoyancy aids supplied as required. Christchurch Harbour’s shallow channels, sandbanks, and reed-fringed creeks make an excellent classroom. You’ll practice launching, tacking, gybing, basic sail trim and helm control against a backdrop of tidal flats where curlew and oystercatchers forage. The harbour is a living estuary of mudflats and salt marsh, so you’ll learn to judge current, wind shifts and local hazards—skills that transfer to any coastal sailing ground. The course schedule specifically lists Fridays: 24th April, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th May, and 12th June, 6–8pm. Shore-based theory fills gaps when weather prevents going out, and Shoresports can lend wetsuits and boots; you’ll need swimwear beneath any wetsuit. If you own your own wetsuit or drysuit you’re welcome to use it. Helmets and buoyancy aids are provided where required. Logistics are clear: bookings via the provider require a balance payment by bank transfer to Shoresports Limited 15576508, Sort Code 04-06-05 within 14 days of booking; email [email protected] to confirm payment. Attend at least five of six sessions and HSC offers a £50 refund. Why book this course? It’s deliberately practical: repeated short sessions build muscle memory and reduce the overwhelm of a single long clinic. Mudeford Quay places you close to sandbanks, ferry activity and characteristic Solent breezes without venturing into heavy traffic. For new sailors wanting peer-supported progression, reliable coaching and local coastal knowledge, this is one of the most effective and accessible entry points into UK dinghy sailing. Expect instruction that balances with clear goals: Nick has 25 years of sailing instruction experience and Lucy grew up in the business, offering safety-focused coaching that accelerates progress. The crew plan for sessions to go ahead in most weather; if conditions are unsuitable the group will move to the club house or dinghy park for theory and drills. Bringing two sets of clothing, a waterproof outer layer, a towel and a dry bag will make evenings easier. Completing the course gives you practical skills and confidence to charter, crew sails or join local club sessions.
Beginners or those building confidence in dinghies; suitable for first-time sailors and those wanting structured progression.
Courses are likely taught by Nick and Lucy or other qualified instructors; Nick has extensive experience and Lucy has grown up in the business.
Bring two sets of clothing (shore and water), swimwear for under wetsuits, a towel and layers; wetsuit boots are recommended.
The plan is to go sailing each session but if weather prevents it, the group will use the club house or dinghy park for theory and drills.
Balance payment by bank transfer to Shoresports Limited 15576508, Sort Code 04-06-05 within 14 days of booking; attend five of six sessions to qualify for a £50 HSC refund.
Meet at the ShoreSports Trailer, Mudeford Quay before sessions start; arrive early to rig and get briefed.
ShoreSports is a Christchurch, United Kingdom water-sports operator offering hire, guided tours and instructor-led courses for a wide range of ages and abilities. The business runs equipment hire for winging, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaks, sailing and windsurfing, plus group hires such as a mega SUP large enough for families and groups. ShoreSports provides short taster lessons and longer training courses. Offerings include one-hour SUP and windsurf taster sessions, two-part beginner windsurfing courses, two-day and four-session beginning sailing courses taught by an RYA instructor, and two- or four-day improver racing technique sailing courses. Children’s programmes include a multi-activity week for ages six to eight and a Kids Saturday Sailing Club. Guided kayak and SUP tours run on local routes like the Christchurch Loop and Mudeford Quay to Christchurch Priory. Safety equipment and basic kit are included for many experiences; wetsuits and buoyancy aids are supplied on courses and most guided activities. Qualified instructors lead sessions, and flexible booking options accommodate families, individual learners and groups. ShoreSports focuses on accessible, on-water learning and recreational experiences in Christchurch harbour and the River Avon. The business suits confident young swimmers through to adult beginners progressing to improver level. Clear information about session lengths, age guidelines and equipment requirements is available when booking, helping participants prepare for a safe, enjoyable time on the water. Booking details, price information and specific availability are published on the ShoreSports website and through local booking channels to ensure accurate planning for each chosen session or hire, and equipment updates.
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