Life Afloat
There are advantages to being located next to a major estuary if getting out on the water is your idea of fun. Of course it doesn't always look as placid and calm as this, and some Academy sailors might tell you it's more fun when it doesn't. However there is no denying that the River Forth, spanned by it famous bridges, provides an outstanding environment for the novice and the experienced sailor alike.
Learning the ropes
You do have to learn to look after a boat of course. The Academy has its own fleet of dinghies, and one of the first jobs of the sailing season is to get them ready for launching. Experienced sailors can help introduce the novices to what has to be done, and familiarise them with the equipment on the dry land.
Once afloat, the attendant staff are on hand in a support boat to help anyone who gets into difficulties, and of course all sailors have to wear lifejackets and follow safety procedures.
Sun, sea and spray
Incomparable
The sea; the sky, and, if not a tall ship and a star to steer her by, at least the next best thing. |
Sailing at the Academy
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When do we sail?Sailing happens after school in the 'Activity' slot (and beyond!) to enable those with other sporting commitments to take part too. The sessions usually focus on either achieving RYA qualifications, race training or experiencing new boats - but whatever the session aim the underlying emphasis is to enjoy the challenges sailing has to offer. |
And afterwards ...An increasing number of leavers have kept up their interest and gone on to become Sailing Instructors in their University years in Britain and abroad - it sure beats the usual student holiday job! |
But nothing really compares, for those with salt water in their blood, to the thrill of actually taking to the water; the responsive boat like a live thing beneath you; your own balance and skill at the helm; the majestic scenery of the Forth estuary, the bridges, and the hills of Fife beyond. 
Over the last few years sailing has thrived at the Academy. Groups use the Sailing school at Port Edgar (at South Queensferry) to ensure top quality instruction and safety cover and a wide choice of boats to suit levels of experience and weather conditions - from Dart catamarans and asymmetric dinghies to Topper dinghies and Wayfarers. This page is: Edinburgh Academy/sport / sailing.htm
