Beyond the Shore: Where Could Sailing Take You?

“When we are having fun and loving our time on the water, everything else follows.” At Windermere School, we believe the lake is the ultimate classroom.

From Year 3 through to Year 13, our comprehensive sailing program is designed to nurture pupils at every stage of their journey. Our race team is a vibrant community, training regularly on weeknight evenings (from Easter to the October half-term) and throughout the day on Saturdays.

The Windermere Pathway:

• Skill Building: Experienced sailors don’t just race; they mentor. On Saturdays, our seniors share their expertise with younger pupils, creating a supportive cycle of growth.

• Professional Qualification: We don’t just teach you to sail; we teach you to lead. We support our top sailors in achieving their Dinghy Instructor qualifications, empowering them to inspire the next generation.

• Character Development: Beyond technical skill, our sailors develop the camaraderie, teamwork, and confidence required to lead in any field.

Join us at Windermere School, where we don’t just cultivate skilled sailors—we build the leaders of tomorrow.

A Fleet for Every Ambition

Our diverse fleet is carefully selected to suit every age, size, and skill level. Our co-educational teams compete primarily in RS Tera and RS Feva dinghies, providing a dynamic platform for both tactical growth and high-speed racing.

From Local Waters to the World Stage

Windermere sailors don’t just stay on the lake. We offer a pathway to elite competition, including:

• Local Excellence: The Royal Windermere Yacht Club Denis Hopper Series and RYA North West Traveller races.

• National Impact: The UK Grand Prix series and National Championships.

• Global Reach: Representation at the World Championships.

The Windermere Advantage

Whether a pupil joins us as a seasoned racer or a complete novice, they receive the same dedicated, expert coaching. We are uniquely positioned to help every child reach their potential, and we take particular pride in those who begin their sailing journey with us in the early years. Many of our most successful alumni started right here at the beginning of their school life—a testament to the strength of our long-term development.

Sailing at Windermere: Frequently Asked Questions

“Does my child need prior experience to join?”

Not at all. We welcome everyone from absolute novices to elite national racers. Our coaching is tailored to the individual, ensuring every child builds confidence at their own pace.

“What is the time commitment for the Race Team?”

Our core training season runs from Easter to the October half-term. We train on weeknight evenings and hold full-day sessions on Saturdays to maximize time on the water.

“Do we need to provide our own boat?”

No. We maintain a comprehensive fleet of boats suited to various ages and skill levels. However, as students progress into competitive racing, our coaches can offer expert advice on purchasing personal craft.

“What qualifications can students earn?”

Beyond racing skills, we are a recognized training centre. We actively support our senior students in achieving their RYA Dinghy Instructor qualifications, turning their passion into a professional leadership skill.

Sailing: A Laboratory for Life

Sailing at Windermere School does more than build technical expertise; it cultivates a sophisticated suite of transferable skills that prepare our pupils for success in the outside world.

• Interpersonal Excellence: Students develop high-level social and communication skills, gaining the confidence to lead groups, deliver presentations, and interact effectively with diverse teams.

• Collaborative Teamwork: By working as part of a crew, pupils learn the value of collective effort and develop the reflective skills necessary to improve both individual and group performance.

• Strategic Organisation: Our sailors become masters of their own progress—learning to plan, prioritise, and set measurable goals while monitoring their own development.

• Decisiveness Under Pressure: Decision-making is the heartbeat of sailing. Pupils develop robust problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and the ability to process complex information in fast-moving environments.

• Resilience & Composure: We foster “psychological fortitude.” Our sailors graduate with improved focus, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage stress and bounce back from setbacks with a positive mindset.

Our Fleet: The Right Boat for Every Sailor

We use a variety of craft to ensure that “size and experience” are perfectly matched to the student.

Sailing as an After-School Activity

After-school sailing activities include:

• Racing against Windermere Royal Yacht Club
• Recreational sailing
• Prep School race training
• Senior School race training
• Windermere School’s “Frostbite” winter racing series.