Regatta Sailing Academy

• Expedition-Courses.pdf
• Factsheet.pdf

Quick Links: Expedition | Skill

Photo shows some of the International Award expedition winners in 2009

The International Award is part of the Duke of Edinburgh´s Award which was introduced in the UK in 1956. There are currently about 400,000 participants in the scheme worldwide.

The award programme is about challenge and gives students the opportunity to accept challenge and set personal goals and achieve them. They will learn valuable skills such as responsibility ­ trust ­ ability to plan and organize themselves.

Each year the Regatta Sailing Academy offers eligible students the opportunity to participate in it’s sailing expeditions at Bronze, Silver or Gold levels. Although Bronze to Bahrain still remains a popular option, RSA has introduced a Bronze sailing expedition to Sealine Beach for those students preferring to stay in Qatari waters; this includes an overnight stay at the resort. Gold level expeditions remain to Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Every interested participant purchases an Award Record Book from their school which is signed off on completion of their achievement. Participants on the sailing expeditions maintain their own log/record of events and route planning – photographs can be used as part of the log. All sailing expedition participants are required to submit a report of their journey to RSA either individually or as a group within two weeks of their return.

 Please note: Expeditions are a mixed gender activity

Sailing Expedition

Sailing for the IAS expedition is a unique adventure; students learn to work together as a team, at the same time learning a new skill. Groups are split into teams; they start with a minimum of five practice sessions covering all aspects of yacht sailing, wind and tide, safety and control to include man overboard as well as chart and instrument navigation. One evening session will take place for night sailing experience prior to departing for their expedition run.

Prior to departure, there will be a meeting to brief parents/students on passport requirements, immigration procedures, what to wear, what to bring, suggested spending money etc.

Note: number of sessions may vary according to student ability.

For concerned parents it should be noted that students are supervised by Christine and Mike Lawton. In Bahrain for example, Yacht Club staff are aware of our rules, although students are given the freedom to relax and enjoy the facilities at set times.. Accommodation in Bahrain is at Al Bander resort next door to the Yacht Club; there is a pool, bowling and entertainment centre. Chalet accommodation consists of three or four bedrooms with showers/bathrooms – boys separate from girls. The Yacht Club/Resort is situated in Sitra some 20k from the centre of Bahrain (students are not permitted to wander outside of the resort; our special entry visas restrict us to this area.

Students taking Gold to the UAE sail into Abu Dhabi Marina; a short mini-bus ride along the Corniche to our apartment Hotel where a gym and swimming pool are available. Accommodation is in two/three bedded en-suite rooms.

Prior to Expedition departures there will be a meeting to brief parents/students on immigration procedures, what to wear, what to bring and suggested spending money. Parents/students should ensure that passports and residence permits are well in date prior to all expeditions.

Price includes:

• Learning to sail, structured as above
• Return trip
• Provisions on board
• Accommodation (includes bed linen and towels)
• Full meal on arrival
• Breakfast before departure
• Customs/clearance and Immigration paperwork
• Entry visa

Sailing as a Skill

For those students undertaking a different Expedition but wanting to take sailing as a skill­ Students must pursue and continue to sail within the Academy´s group structured course for a period of six months ­ this is normally one afternoon a week for two terms.

Cost: QR1,200 (two course fees: Beginner and Intermediate) ­ Fee payable on registration