BSA Sailing Program Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all Barbados Sailing Association (BSA) sailing programmes conducted at the Barbados Yacht Club (BYC), including after school lessons, summer camps, and private lessons for adults and children.

Participants and parents/guardians are expected to read and comply with these guidelines to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful learning environment for everyone.

1. General Information

  • Programmes are designed to promote sailing skills, water safety, seamanship, confidence, teamwork, and enjoyment of the sport.
  • Programmes are conducted primarily from the Barbados Yacht Club and surrounding sailing areas within Carlisle Bay.
  • Safety is the highest priority of the BSA. All participants must follow the instructions of instructors and safety personnel at all times.
  • All participants must wear a properly fastened personal flotation device (PFD) while in or on the water. PFDs are supplied by BSA.
What Participants Should Bring

Participants should bring:

  • A reusable water bottle
  • Sunblock (applied before arrival and available for reapplication)
  • A hat
  • Appropriate sailing clothing (to get wet)
  • Towel and change of clothes where necessary
  • Lunch/snacks where applicable

Participants should avoid bringing valuables.

2. After School Sailing Lessons

  • After school lessons are conducted on scheduled weekdays during the school term. Specific lesson times and schedules should be noted at the time of booking.
  • Participants should arrive promptly before the start of lessons and be collected immediately after lessons end.
  • Parents/guardians are asked to notify instructors in advance if a participant will be absent.
  • Participants must sign out with an instructor before leaving the premises.
  • Participants may not remain on the BYC premises after lessons unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a BYC member.
  • Participants should bring water and, if required, a light snack.

3. Summer Sailing Camps

  • Camp starts promptly at 8:30am each day and ends at 2:30pm.
  • All participants must be collected by 3:00pm.
  • Participants should bring:
    • A lunch box or money to purchase lunch. Alternatively, BYC members may arrange for lunch charges to be signed for
    • A reusable water bottle
    • Sunblock
    • A hat
  • All participants must sign out with an instructor before leaving.
  • Participants must remain in the designated area by the containers while waiting to be collected.
  • Only participants accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a BYC member may remain on the BYC premises after 3:00pm.

4. Private Sailing Lessons (Adults & Children)

  • Private lessons are arranged directly with the BSA and scheduled subject to instructor and equipment availability.
  • Participants should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled lesson time.
  • Children attending private lessons must be signed in and collected by a parent or guardian unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • Adult participants are responsible for following all instructor directions and safety procedures throughout the lesson.
  • BSA will provide required sailing equipment unless otherwise specified.

5. Programme Rules & Safety Regulations

  • No large sums of money, mobile phones, tablets, electronic games, or other valuables should be brought to programmes.
  • All personal bags must be placed in designated storage areas during activities.
  • All boats must be washed free of sand and properly stored at the end of activities.
  • Any damage to boats or equipment must be reported immediately to a BSA instructor.
  • All participants are expected to treat equipment responsibly and respectfully.
  • All moored yachts are to be avoided whilst sailing.
  • The swimming area of the BYC and all other swimming and diving areas within Carlisle Bay, especially the marine park, are to be avoided whilst sailing.
  • All boats on shore must remain within the designated area in front of the BYC engine room and containers.
  • These areas must be kept tidy at all times.
  • The BYC bathrooms designated for programme use must be respected and kept clean at all times.

6. Rules for the Use of the Barbados Yacht Club

  • Participants are restricted to the designated sailing programme areas except when accessing approved washroom facilities.
  • Purchases at the BYC must be made on a cash basis unless otherwise arranged for BYC members.
  • Food may only be consumed in areas approved by the Head Instructor.
  • All refuse and PET bottles must be disposed of in the bins provided.
  • Participants must respect the privacy and facilities of BYC members. Beach chair areas are reserved for BYC members only.
  • No participant may remain on the BYC premises after programme hours unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a BYC member.

7. Conditions & Conduct

Participants agree to abide by:

  • The rules and regulations of the Barbados Yacht Club
  • The instructions and directions of BSA instructors and staff
  • All programme safety procedures

The BSA reserves the right to discipline and/or suspend any participant who fails to behave in an acceptable manner. No refund of fees will be given in such circumstances.

Any careless or irresponsible act resulting in damage to equipment or facilities may require partial or full reimbursement at the discretion of the Head Instructor.

8. Contact Information During Programmes

Barbados Yacht Club
Tel: 427-1125

Please ask to be put through to the Boat Shed and then request an instructor involved with the sailing programme.