SAILING PROGRAMME
“THERE IS MORE IN YOU THAN YOU THINK...”
- Kurt Hahn, Round Square Founder
A Unique Opportunity
Windermere School is nestled on a hillside within 45 acres of the National Park landscape that inspired such writers as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, and enjoys one of the most picturesque views in the Lake District. Established in 1863, we are a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3 to 20 years old. With access to a spectacular greater classroom, we live our school motto: Vincit qui se Vincit. One conquers, who conquers oneself.
Our private Watersports Centre sits on the shores of Windermere and offers pupils a truly unique opportunity to enjoy sailing as part of their school day. The School operates as both an RYA Training Centre and, in 2018, we were delighted to become an RYA British Youth Sailing Recognised Club.
While a number of pupils have aspirations to represent GB at the highest level, others simply want to appreciate learning to sail and work through the RYA training stages to enjoy sailing solely for pleasure.
Why do we Sail?
Sailing is so much more than meets the eye, and opens up a world of opportunities. Primarily sailing is a mode of transport and once competent it can lead you on amazing adventures exploring the beautiful landscape in a whole new way. Even on a smaller scale, it creates lifelong bonds and fosters great teamwork and an appreciation of the elements.
The skills you acquire and the love of the water you foster bodes well for future careers. Even in careers that have little footing within sailing the skills you develop transfer, including communication, dynamic risk assessment and leadership.
KEY SKILLS
Sailing develops many skills that are transferable to the academic classroom and outside world:
• Social & Communication skills – confidence in groups, presentation skills, communication and ability to interact with others, working as part of a team and the development of reflective skills.
• Organisation – planning, prioritizing, goal setting and monitoring; target setting and evaluating.
• Decision Making – decision making is central to sailing. Sailors develop the robust skills of problem solving under pressure, creative thinking and information processing.
• Mental Fortitude – improved confidence, commitment, awareness and ability to manage emotions and stress, improved task focus, dealing with pressure and adversity, coping with setbacks and target setting.
Sailing Overview
Starting Out
Embarking on an adventure-filled journey right from Year 3, our pupils enjoy Adventure Lessons throughout their Windermere School life.
As part of their Adventure lessons pupils get to start their sailing journey. Guided by experienced instructors in a supportive and nurturing environment, it is the perfect place for our pupils to get a feeling for the sport.
Extra-curricular Sailing
Our boarders and day pupils of all ages also have the opportunity to join Saturday Sailing to further enhance their skills, or just to have fun and make the most of our facilities and incredible location.
The Saturday Sailing sessions run every Saturday during term time and we also offer three evenings of sailing per week from Easter to October half term.
Legacy
At Windermere School, we take immense pride in our comprehensive sailing program, which nurtures our pupils through every stage of their sailing journey. Our race team is a vibrant community where experienced sailors share their knowledge and skills with younger pupils, creating a supportive environment for growth and development.
As pupils’ progress through our pathways, they not only refine their sailing abilities but also contribute to the learning of those who follow in their wake. We are committed to facilitating our top sailors in achieving their RYA Dinghy Instructor qualifications, empowering them to lead and inspire the next generation of sailors.
This mentorship fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, ensuring that our younger sailors are well-prepared for their own sailing adventures. At Windermere School we cultivate not just skilled sailors but also confident leaders ready to take on new challenges.
Join a sailing lesson
Race Sailing
The Windermere School Race Team has established itself as a formidable presence in youth sailing, consistently achieving remarkable success in various competitions.
As part of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre, the team benefits from a structured training environment that emphasizes both skill development and competitive racing.
The Race Team comprises a mixed group of pupils who participate in races using RS Tera, RS Feva dinghies and 29’ers. This inclusive approach allows pupils of all skill levels, from novices to aspiring champions, to join and develop their sailing abilities.
The team trains rigorously, honing essential skills such as boat handling, tactical racing, and teamwork, all crucial for success in competitive sailing.
Windermere School’s Race Team has garnered significant accolades, with several pupils becoming national champions in their respective classes. Recent highlights include multiple pupils winning titles in prestigious events, showcasing the effectiveness of the school’s coaching and training programs. The team regularly competes in regional and national events.
Through its comprehensive training and competitive opportunities, the Windermere School Race Team not only aims for excellence in sailing but also fosters a lifelong passion for the sport among its members.
We have a heavy influence on building a community around the team and making it a place for all.
Sailing Success PUPIL TESTIMONIALS
Success at Windermere School isn’t just about medals and trophies; it’s about pushing your limits and discovering new heights. It’s climbing higher than you ever thought you could on a rock face, confidently navigating the waters in a sailing boat and embracing challenges that ignite your sense of adventure. Success here means growing, exploring and thriving beyond the classroom, as you venture into the extraordinary. Some of our sailing community have shared their successes below:
“I love being on the water as it gives me freedom. I have developed a lot of new skills and I have really enjoyed racing and have enjoyed being with the race team. I have learnt to sail in strong gusty winds with the spinnaker and it has given me lots of confidence in everything I do.” - Year 10 pupil
“As a sailing scholar at the school and now a Dinghy Instructor, I have fortunately got the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to others, emphasizing how much this sport means to me. Sailing has helped me grow both as an individual and a leader.”
- Year 12 student
“I went to the Windermere Summer School, where I was sailing all day and I was offered a sailing scholarship. The training is amazing, we have the best coaches and I have learned so much more than I ever thought I would.”
- Year 8 pupil
“You have to overcome many challenges to be a good sailor but it is all worth it to be part of the race team”. - Year 7 pupil
“Sailing is more than a hobby for me; it’s a passion that has shaped my character and skills. Being part of a team has taught me the value of communication, collaboration, and friendship, and I’m grateful for the relationships built through shared challenges.”
- Year 12 student
“I love being part of the race team because you get to make friendships you never normally would. I have learned to be more patience and enjoy sharing advice with my teammates.” - Year 11 pupil
“Even though we are a team, the coaches personliase their teaching to each of us. We are individuals that make up the most amazing team.” - Year 10 pupil
An Adventure for life
Discover
our vocational Sixth Form Course
Windermere School offers an NCFE qualification for Sixth Form pupils in Sport and Physical Activity through its unique Outdoor Adventure program, this is further enhanced by a wide range of sports and activities available to students.
The school's facilities support a comprehensive outdoor education experience, allowing students to engage in various activities, including:
• Sailing - Utilizing the school's water sports centre, students can learn and practice sailing on the expansive waters of Windermere lake.
• Single Rope Technique Caving - Students have the opportunity to explore caving, a vital skill in outdoor education, which complements their adventure training.
• Kayaking and Canoeing - With access to a fleet of kayaks and canoes, students can develop their paddling skills in a safe and controlled environment.
• Climbing and Mountaineering - The school's proximity to the Lake District’s rugged terrain allows for climbing and mountaineering activities, fostering teamwork and resilience.
• Navigation and Survival Skills - Students learn essential navigation skills in various terrains, preparing them for real-world outdoor challenges.
Facilities Enhancing Learning
Windermere School's outstanding facilities, including its dedicated water sports centre, provide a practical base for students to develop their skills across these diverse activities. The centre features two boathouses and a private beach, ensuring students have the resources they need for hands-on learning.
By integrating a wide range of sports from windsurfing to SRT caving into the NCFE program, Windermere School not only equips students with essential skills for a career in outdoor education but also fosters a passion for adventure and exploration in the breath-taking landscape of the Lake District.
Sailing Scholarships Sailing Scholarship
Our School operates as both an RYA Training Centre and a recognised centre for British Youth Sailing, representing the two sides of sailing: training and racing.
While a number of students have aspirations to represent GB at the highest level, others want to appreciate learning to sail and work through the RYA Training Schemes to enjoy sailing solely for pleasure.
We have many boats used for sail training to suit experience and size, while our mixed team race in RS Tera, RS Feva dinghies and 29’ers. We sail against other schools, in local regattas with the Royal Windermere Yacht Club, at RYA North West Traveller races and at Grand Prix series around the country. We believe we are uniquely positioned to take children of all abilities and our highly qualified coaching and sailing staff seek to provide as wide a range of sailing opportunities as possible.
Pupils may join us as experienced sailors with aspirations to achieve highly or arrive as novices. They will receive equally dedicated support to allow them to reach their potential. However, we encourage pupils to join as young as possible, and many of our highest achieving sailors joined us at the beginning of the school life, at the Junior School, an achievement we are very proud of.
Our Location
Manchester airport, offering connections to Europe, America and Asia, is only 90 minutes from the school, and we provide an escorted service to the airport on designated travel days.
There are plentiful interconnecting flights from all London airports. London is also reached by high-speed train in under three hours. There is a concierge service available at extra cost, please apply for details.
To find out how your child can join the Windermere School adventure, please call us on: +44 (0) 15394 46164 or email admissions@windermereschool.co.uk
