Dinghies
Dinghies for juniors and youths range from the Optimist – suitable for our smallest and youngest sailors – through singlehanded Toppers and ILCAs (formerly known as Lasers) and double-handed RS Fevas. We also have Laser Bahias, the workhorse of our training fleet and – new in 2025 – a growing number of RS 400s, offering exciting high performance sailing for adults.
Sunday Sailling
RYA Youth Sailing Courses
Friday Night Dinghy Racing
Race Training
Youth Series / Regattas / Topper Travellers / Youth Champs
RYA Race Squad
Becoming an instructor
Becoming an instructor
The SLYC Pathway is designed to take someone from being a beginner sailor through to being an independent racer, capable of sailing a dinghy by themselves to a high standard. The Pathway includes a combination of structured learning and development through our RYA sailing and racing courses, as well as “time out on the water” gaining experience at our Sunday Sailing school, and Friday night dinghy racing. The ultimate objective is up to the individual, whether you go onto compete at sailing events, become an instructor, or just sail socially. Whatever the objective, SLYC will help you achieve it!
Information on our Sunday Sailing school and RYA youth sailing courses can be found under the “Sailing and Powerboat School” tab. Further information on Friday night racing can be found below. If you have any questions regarding our pathway, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Get on the Water!
Want to experience the thrill of sailing on Strangford Lough? Get in touch with us today!
Friday Night Dinghy Racing
Every Friday night there is club racing for dinghies of all types single and double handed and although it is more competitive than Sunday mornings it is good fun and all those who are racing on Sunday mornings are encouraged to come along and have a go. If you do not own your own boat, the club has Laser Bahias, RS Fevas and Toppers that can be rented. Booking for these are found under the “members area”. Sailors should be down early enough to be changed and ready to launch by 6pm. There are usually 2 to 3 races depending on the weather.
Strangford Lough Youth Series
Outside of SLYC, there is also the Strangford Lough Youth Series which is a race series run by the five sailing clubs within Strangford Lough. Each Club hosts a leg of the series to compete for the Strangford Lough Youth Series shield. This is a a great event for those starting to learn how to race, with children of all abilities encouraged to take part.
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