RYA Pathway Club

As one of the four RYA ‘Pathway Clubs’ in Wales, PDSC is the only club based in North Wales to be granted this status. The RYA Pathway Club is aimed at encouraging and developing junior and youth sailing.

In Wales, the ‘RYA Pathway Clubs’ are replacing the old regional ‘Open Training’ structure that was organised by RYA Cymru Wales.

Pathway Coaching is a structured programme designed to support young sailors as they progress in their journey of learning to sail competitively and help achieve their racing ambition whether that be at a club, regional, national or even international level.

PDSC have arranged a programme of coaching that follows on from our PD Pirates learn to sail and RYA Stage 1 & 2 courses. The Pathway Coaching bridges the gap between learning to sail and becoming an independent, confident sailor. Through a series of progressive, fun, and engaging sessions, juniors and youth will build on their existing skills, develop racing techniques, and enjoy the excitement of being part of a vibrant sailing community.

Group 1 – Start Racing

Group 1 Sailors should:

Have completed RYA Level 1 and 2 or have equivalent experience and be comfortable sailing around a course independently
Be able to stay out on the water for two hour sessions
Have been sailing regularly at a club for at least one season
Be able to launch and recover their boat (with some support)

Classes: RS Tera(Sport/Minisail) & Topper (4.2 / 5.3)

Group 2 – Experienced Racer

Group 2 Sailors should:

Be a competent club racer and/or at an experience level equivalent to that for Welsh National Sailing Team entry
Be able to stay out on the water for two – three hour sessions
Be self sufficient and able to launch and recover their boat unaided

Classes: RS Tera(Pro) & Topper ( 5.3), ILCA 4/6

We have developed a coaching programme for 2 levels of sailor:

Junior Start Racing
Experience Racer

All sessions (for either group) will be led by qualified and experienced RYA coaches with the sessions tailored to the sailors taking part.

The Junior Start Racing group will focus on key areas such as boat handling, sail trim, balance, and decision-making on the water. Sailors will also be introduced to the fundamentals of racing, including starts, mark roundings, rules, and strategic thinking. Off the water, participants will learn about rigging, tuning, and preparing for racing—ensuring they’re ready to take part in club events and progress to RA CW national sailing teams.

The Experienced Racer group will further develop the racing skill set with both on and off the water sessions, concentrating on boat handling, race strategy and getting the most out of your boat.

PDSC are committed to running regular, high standard race training programmes to develop junior and youth sailors. The Pathway Club offers a clear route into club-level racing and beyond. It’s a fantastic opportunity for any young sailor looking to gain confidence, refine their technique, and have fun on the water.

The latest Pathway Coaching session dates are available on our Training Programme Page

For more details, please contact the Pathway Co-ordinator