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At a glance – what do we offer?
All courses are recognised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), our national governing body and we can issue certificates for all levels of the national dinghy scheme.
5 day residential or non-residential dinghy sailing course for 9-16 year olds
5 day residential or non-residential dinghy sailing course for adults.
6 day residential RYA dinghy instructor course.
2 day residential or non-residential RYA Powerboat and Safety boat course
Club flotilla sailing within the Kyles of Bute with camping facilities.

Location of sailing courses
Our sailing courses are based at Carry Farm, on the sheltered waters of the west Kyle. You may well find it hard to concentrate on your lesson with the stunning
Island of Arran to the south and the pretty village of Tighnabruaich nestling at the bottom of the dramatic scenery to the north. The Kyles of Bute is a very popular destination for yachtsmen and the to and fro of passing yachts provides an enjoyable backdrop to our activities.

The day’s program begins at 10am, and we like to get out on the water as soon as possible.  All our dinghies, with the exception of the Wayfarers, are launched from the shore, providing plenty of practise of the necessary skills required to leave the beach safely and successfully.   We are lucky to have a variety of secluded anchorages that we can visit to enjoy our packed lunch. There are plenty of unspoilt beaches in the Kyles, both on the mainland and Islands, and we will select the best location to suit the prevailing weather conditions. We will return to Carry Farm around 5pm.  For those customers not staying with us, there is a toilet and shower block for changing if required.

 Carry Farm itself is situated 2 miles south of Tighnabruaich. If you have family looking to spend some time, there are many opportunities  for beach combing, walking, and a play area for the children. They are more than welcome to use the facilities whilst they watch the activities from the shore.

Safety
Student safety is always of paramount importance. Safety cover is provided at all times and our safety boats are fully equipped with first aid kits, survival bags and flares and the engines undergo a rigorous maintenance and replacement schedule. It goes without saying that everyone present on the water must at all times wear a buoyancy aid.
Tighnabruaich Sailing School is fully recognised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the governing body for the sport of sailing and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority governing the safety standards for children involved in adventure activities.

Dinghy fleet
Our fleet is under constant renewal and improvement to ensure you have the best quality equipment and the flexibility to suit a range of abilities. Our fleet currently consists of Wayfarers, RS Feva, Laser Picos, Dart 16 Catamarans, Laser 4000 and Laser 11’s.

Residential accommodation – Carry Farm

Carry Farm is a small holiday park located 2 miles south of Tighnabruaich on the Ardlamont peninsula, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This was recognised in 2005 with the attainment of a Silver David Bellamy Conservation Award. There are 3 architect designed lodges by the beach, each with their own balcony and an outlook across the Kyles to the
Island of Bute. Those booked onto a residential course will be staying in one of the lodges.
Children will be staying in our 3 bedroomed lodge accommodating up to ten kids, with 24 hour supervised care. Home-made evening meals are made with organic ingredients where possible and individual dietary requirements accommodated. The size of the group ensure that each child can be positively encouraged to feel at ease with the group and have the confidence to get the most out of their stay.
Carry Farm has plenty of space for the children to relax in the evenings. Weather appropriate activities will be organised from BBQ’s and beach bonfires to rounders and football. Wet weather will have everyone inside relaxing with age appropriate games.

Adults have the shared use of a lodge for self-catering purposes. For those not interested in cooking there are plenty of places to eat within reasonable driving distance.  If you have any energy left after your day on the water there is still plenty to offer in Tighnabruaich.  Beautiful walks, sandy beaches, tennis, golf or perhaps simply sharing your sailing yarns with your course members from the comfort of your lodge balcony, with a bottle of wine close at hand!