RYA OnBoard
Junior Friday Bright Night Sailing
For Ages 8-16, free for DSC members!
An opportunity to get out on the water with our experienced helms and learn some of the basics of sailing while have great fun with like minded juniors.
Two sessions each Friday.
The RYA OnBoard scheme for the 2026 summer season
In association with the sport NI ‘Active Clubs’ program supported by RYA NI, Donaghadee Sailing Club will be participating in and offering the RYA Onboard scheme – Bright Nights Sailing (aka BNS).
You will have the opportunity to get out on the water with our experienced helms and learn some of the basics of sailing, while having great fun with like minded juniors.
As this is not a drop off program, we require that a parent remains on the immediate shore or in the club house during the session.
A BBQ is held in the Club after sailing and all participants can relax and socialise over some light refreshments.
Participation is completely free for members, non-members can join at Registration evening, and have a 2 week grace period where BNS membership can be cancelled if the participant doesn’t like sailing for whatever reason.
Thinkingof joining a DSC MEMBER? With Club Membership, you can avail of discounted rates for all DSC training courses held through the year, as well as access to our Members Only events.
HOW DO I SIGN UP:
All those wishing to sail on a Friday ‘Bright Nights Sailing’ session MUST be existing ‘DSC member’ OR have become a ‘BNS member’ during Bright Nights Sailing Registration Night.
(BNS registration is complete for 2026. But please read below about how to join our popular reserve list)
Once registered:
- You will need to book your spot on a weekly basis for the following Friday Bright Nights Sailing sessions.
- Bookings open at 7pm on the Tuesday before each Friday
- Participants will need to book on a week-by-week basis via the Club Calendar and spaces will be allocated automatically on a first come, first served basis.
- Pre-booking your spot is essential to ensure your child’s participation!
(Due to the need for us to pre-plan our on-the-water safety ratios, unfortunately walk-ins on the night cannot be accommodated.) - These sessions are extremely popular and book up quickly.
The evening will be divided into two sessions:
- Session 1: arrive at the club for 6pm (on the water by 6:30)
- Session 2: arrive at the club for 7pm (on the water by 7:30).
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A RESERVE LIST is maintained for anyone that couldn’t get signed up on the registration night. Each week, should spaces become available, this reserve list is contacted to offer any available slots. Many BNS sailors get nearly a full summers worth of BNS sessions out of the reserve list, so please do not be disheartened if on the reserve list.
If you are interested in being added to the RESERVE LIST, please email office@donaghadeesc.co.uk or better still, PLEASE CALL IN TO US ON A FRIDAY NIGHT AND ASK TO SPEAK TO A MEMBER OF THE BNS TEAM. We’d be happy to help you.
What should I bring?
- Waterproof, wet suit and buoyancy aid (if you have them). We can provide a buoyancy aid for the first 2 weeks if you need it.
- Warm clothing for the upper body, close fitting sweat shirts
- Warm hat and gloves
- Wet suit boots or trainers that you don’t mind getting wet
- Towel and change of clothes
Become a Member
Upcoming Junior Sailing Courses
Our summer schedule of courses for 2025 will be announced shortly