Tay Sail Training Association

The Tay Sail Training Association (TSTA) was formed in the latter part of 2003 by a number of like minded individuals who have sailed together for many years and have spent time providing some training for new people coming into the sport. As there was a very strong desire to put more back into the sport of sailing and to extend the opportunity to sail to more people, the decision was taken to form the Association.

The TSTA has been established with the encouragement, support and help of the Royal Tay Yacht Club (RTYC), the principal sailing club in the area around Dundee. As a result of the close relationship, the TSTA has been permitted the use of many facilities of the RTYC including the classroom facilities, slipways, boat storage, changing rooms and showers and access to some sailing dinghies and safety boats.

With the generous use of much of the required shore infrastructure, the TSTA is able to focus

entirely on the provision of both sail training and the sailing experience.

Since forming as a Recognised Charity in the 2003, the TSTA has raised sufficient monies through the generosity of local charitable trusts, private individuals and the National Lottery, to purchase a fleet of 12 sailing dinghies and a dedicated safety / training powerboat.

During 2006 and 2007, over 325 people benefited from training provided by TSTA, covering both shore based and practical courses with most gaining RYA certificates. The shore based courses included Yachtmaster, Day Skipper, First Aid, Short Range Radio and Diesel Engine Maintenance whilst the practical courses included RYA Dinghy Levels 1 & 2 in the RYA National Sailing Scheme, Powerboat Level 2 and the RYA Youth Training Scheme. All instructors operating within TSTA are RYA certificated.

In addition to the formal courses, the TSTA takes a leading role in the training of young people in the age group 10 - 17 (inclusive). All youth training is carried out through the RTYC Cadet Section. The Cadet Section meets on Wednesday evenings throughout the year with sailing / instruction from April until September. Cadet Week is run annually in August and covers 5 full days of sailing and associated fun activities. All training is carried out under the RYA Youth Training Scheme and leads to progressive certification at various levels. For further information on cadet membership, please visit the membership section of the RTYC website.

As a follow up to the adult training programme, Sailing for Fun Evenings and Happy Sailing Days are held throughout the sailing season. These fun events are jointly organised by the RTYC and the TSTA, enabling many adults to continue the enjoyable sensation of sailing.

One of the principal aims of the TSTA is to get as many people afloat as possible to share the pleasurable experiences of sailing. There is particular emphasis on assisting disabled people and those suffering from physical illness.

The TSTA has been able to provide a sailing experience to a group of visually impaired people and is particularly keen to extend the sailing experience to certain other groups. As the TSTA develops, it expects to work closely Sailability Scotland, an initiative run by the RYA. The TSTA welcomes contact from any interested groups.

One of the Kestrel Dinghies owned by the TSTA.

The other pictures show that sailing can be fun - even on a damp Scottish day - and launching a TSTA RS Feva dinghy from the beach with an onshore wind.

If you would like further information on the work of the TSTA, or know of a group that would benefit from a sailing experience, then please contact the TSTA at the following email address: info@taysail.org .

Sharing the Sailing Experience

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