bsc cadet pathway

The BSC Cadet pathway is aligned with the RYA Youth training scheme.

Cadets with no sailing experience usually start with lake training in Optimists.

If you are a bit older (and taller), you will begin on the lake in Toppers. Alternatively, you can learn the basics on the river in Quest dinghies accompanied by an instructor.

When you are ready you can move on to river training, in Optimists, Toppers or Teras. For river training, you will need your own boat.

Following river training there is the opportunity of taking part in both race training and advanced skills training.

If you enjoy racing, then you can take part in cadet specific race events such as cadet week, as well participate in BSC club racing.

Many cadets also sail outside the club. Class associations and the RYA offer training, and you can test your skills by entering open meetings, national, and even international events.

You can also continue to get further RYA qualifications at the club, and use these to help out with cadet training and racing. You can start out by becoming an assistant instructor, to help out our dinghy instructors. At the age of 16 you can drive a club safety boat, once you've taken the required RYA Powerboat level2 (PB2) qualification. With a PB2 certificate you can also qualify as a dinghy instructor, or even a racing coach. 

Cadets in year 11 are eligible for election to the cadet committee during cadet week. Then when you are in year 12 and 13 you can help run the cadet events.