Further Information

//How can parents help?

As Oppy Club relies on volunteers to run, we do ask parents to help fill some of the more specific roles needed to help the sessions run smoothly and safely. This can count towards your BSC duties; however, not everyone is needed to help every week.

There are plenty of ways you can help both on shore and on the water, regardless of your own level of experience. These roles include:

• Coach/instructor
• Assistant coach/instructor
• Safety boat driver
• Safety boat crew
• Beach master
• Assistant shore crew
• Lost property / Swap Shop coordinator
• Club liaison

 Sign up is via the Oppy Club WhatsApp group.

 ALL PARENTS are asked to pitch in and help with rigging, launching and recovering the Oppies (wellies or water shoes are a must!) and de-rigging. This ensures sessions run smoothly and enables coaches/safety teams to focus on delivering effective sessions for the youngsters. 

Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times and a parent is required to remain on-site at BSC onsite during Oppy Club sessions.

//What if the weather isnt great for sailing?

We endeavour to go afloat whatever the weather so that children have the opportunity to experience a variety of conditions within their ability and to help build confidence.

 Sessions are adapted as appropriate, and can include alternative activities such as paddling races if the wind is very light, or in stronger winds sailing with smaller sails, sailing two-up, or being taken for a ride in a bigger boat helmed by an experienced adult. 

On the rare occasion we are not able to go ahead with a session due to the forecast (for example, very strong winds or thunderstorms) this is communicated in advance via the Oppy Club WhatsApp group.

 //What about safety?

For every session, at least one dedicated safety boat will be on hand with experienced crew onboard. Coaches and at least one assistant coach, will also be on the water.

We ask you to let us know attendance in advance in order to help plan effective ratios for coaching and safety cover for each session.

//Are there any other opportunities through Oppy Club?

Our annual Oppy Camp weekend offers two full days of sailing and games, plus an evening BBQ and overnight camping at BSC. Its a lot of fun for kids - and grown-ups too!  

Barts Bash is a global sailing event held in September. The worlds largest sailing event brings sailors from around the world together by collating results from races held by venues in more than 60 countries. More experienced sailors may be encouraged to join the main BSC fleet racing, while for many sailors, Barts Bash is their first experience of racing, and so a separate course is set with coaches on hand to offer plenty of support and encouragement.

From time to time, there are opportunities for more Oppy Club sailors to try sailing some of the bigger junior boats owned by BSC, such as RS Fevas or Toppers.

//How do we join?

Joining Oppy Club is simple please register your interest by signing up to the WhatsApp group, let us know which session youd like to come along to in advance, and pop down.

Still have questions? Feel free to ask if you are not sure there are no silly questions at Oppy Club! Its all about gaining experience, boosting confidence, making friends and having fun…

We look forward to welcoming you!