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CST Experiences

CST Experiences on the Helford River

This beautiful corner of Cornwall is where it all began for our charity – Children’s Sailing Trust has been teaching local primary-aged children how to sail since 1997 on the breath-taking Helford River. We now offer RYA courses for all ages and abilities, adults and children, beginners to rusty pros.

Our RYA certified sailing courses are the most fun you can have learning on the river. Set on the beautiful Helford, try not to be distracted by the views as you learn to tack and gybe across the waterway. There’s good reason our founder wanted to share this wonderful world with little ones – read our History here.

All ages and sailing abilities are welcome – we’re sure to have something to suit your needs and if you can’t see what you’re looking for, just ask!

Our Helford River locations are suitable for all ages but may not be accessible for everyone. For those requiring fully accessible facilities, we recommend Trevassack Lake, which has been designed with inclusivity in mind.

At the Helford River, we can pick you up either on the North or South side. Please note there is no changing facilities on the river, so please arrived dressed and ready to sail!

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RYA SAILING COURSES

NEW - All our RYA sailing courses are now 2 full days

Previously, we ran all our courses over four half days, but following feedback from you, and our instructors, this year we have simplified the course stages (RYA Stage one, two, three & four) and present them in two full days instead. 

YOUTH SAILING COURSES

AGES 8 TO 15 YEARS

STAGE 1

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Start Sailing

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STAGE 2

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Improver

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Refresher Course

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STAGE 3

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Top Skills

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STAGE 4

RYA Youth Sailing Scheme Double Handed Skills

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Advanced Courses

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SATURDAY CLUBS

Our Saturday clubs are an ideal way for children aged 8 to 15 to gain skills whilst having fun with friends on the river. The focus is on learning through play to have a complete break from the classroom. 

Our team of RYA instructors, safety boat crews and volunteers will ensure that the every session is carefully managed, educational and most importantly fun!

Saturday Clubs run over 5 or 6 consecutive Saturday mornings from 09:15 – 12:45, depending on which period you book for.

The Saturday Clubs run for different levels over three periods. Have a chat if you’re not sure which one best suits your child.

ADULT SAILING

AGES 12+

We’re happy to arrange a mutually agreeable session with an instructor to either ease you back into sailing or teach you from scratch, as a refresher or with a view to gain qualifications. Get in touch to talk about your requirements and we’ll see what we can do!

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FAMILIES AND GROUPS

Get friends and family together for a fun and memorable session on the water – learn to sail with your children, or out-skill friends as you tack and gybe across the waterways. We’re happy to put together a bespoke session with our instructors that suits all ages and abilities!

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A group of advanced young sailors with CST Experiences

Powerboat Level 2 Courses

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Sailing on the Helford River in good weather with CST Experiences