If it’s been a while since you last tried something new, consider taking the time on holiday to throw caution to the wind! Holidays can provide the most perfect opportunity to try a new sport - you have more time on your hands, fewer distractions and if you’re on a Neilson holiday, lots of inclusive activities to try with free tuition! This guide puts the spotlight on dinghy sailing and explains why it’s both a fun and challenging sport for everyone.
This may not be something you’ve previously considered but learning to dinghy sail provides a great way to stretch your brain - challenging it to solve new problems and absorb new information. There aren’t many jobs that demand an understanding of wind direction or to be able to determine the difference between a tack and a gybe, so you’ll be stepping into a whole new world of terminology and learning how to harness the power of nature at the same time!
On an ‘Introduction to dinghy sailing’ course, accredited by the Royal Yachting Association, the learning begins on dry land. You’ll learn how to rig your boat (this could be a single handed boat or one you sail with a crew) and your Neilson instructor will introduce you to the various parts that make up a small boat such as the mast, main sail, hull, rudder and tiller. Heading out onto the water, under the supervision of your instructor and you’ll progress to learning about how to handle your boat, the impact of the wind direction at any given point and how to follow a pre-determined course around the sailing area. You’ll be learning through experience, a great way to improve your cognitive prowess and you’ll soon find that the thrill of being out on the water is well worth the mental effort required to learn a new skill!
Learning to dinghy sail provides a great way to stretch your body as well as your mind, challenging you to work hard and utilise muscles you may not have used for a while but in a gratifying way.
The various ‘tasks’ involved in sailing a dinghy (no matter how small the boat) can help improve your flexibility and agility. The hoisting or pulling in of sails and movement around the boat to support each manoeuvre can improve both hand-eye coordination and motor skills. These tasks will also involve muscle strength across your back and in your arms.
The fact that you’re negotiating your way around a small boat whilst moving across the water, will also mean you’re engaging even the very smallest of core muscles whilst trying to maintain balance.
And, if that’s not enough, as with any physical activity, sailing can also improve your cardiovascular health, which in turn supports the many benefits of a healthy heart such as reduced hypertension.
The physical workout is just one of the positive consequences of learning to sail a dinghy, this really is an activity that’s great for both body and soul.
There are a whole host of benefits to be gained from trying new things. Throwing yourself into a new activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety whilst boosting your sense of wellbeing. Whatever your age, you experience the same feelings of pride, confidence and excitement when you try new things – that ‘I did it!’ feeling all over again.
Learning something new, like dinghy sailing, is so rewarding; pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, the thrill of grasping a new skill, the adrenaline rush and dopamine releases, the renewed self confidence and self-esteem, not to mention the laughs you’ll have along the way!
The physical benefits of learning to sail are multi-faceted too. Take the opportunity to bring muscles to life, get the heart beating and relish the chance to enjoy the great outdoors at the same time as taking a healthy dose of vitamin D on board. What’s not to love!
Once you’ve enjoyed all that sea air and sunshine, you’ll be ready to enjoy the relaxing elements of a Neilson Beachclub holiday too. And that spa treat or cold beer/cocktail will be truly well deserved.
All Neilson beachclubs offer inclusive dinghy sailing together with tuition for all levels (with the exception of Cosmos Beachclub). For the best conditions and good variety of kit, we recommend booking a trip to one of the following beachclubs: Baia dei Mori in Sardinia, Alana in Croatia or Vounaki, Messini, Buca and Portomyrina Palace in Greece.
Wind and weather permitting, if you spend enough time on the water and attend all of the sessions in the Introduction to Dinghy Sailing course, you could come away with your RYA Level 1 - Start Sailing certificate. The sailing world is then your oyster! Learning to sail on a Neilson holiday could be the start of a lifelong adventure; join a local sailing club on your return home or come away with Neilson again and take your sailing to the next level!
Use this handy guide to help you decide which watersport to try first.
The following guide explains everything you need to know about dinghy sailing: the terminology, the kit, what to wear and how to get started.
Skiing and boarding isn’t just limited to the snow and mountains. If you can’t wait for winter to come around again and are itching for your skiing or snowboarding, give water skiing or wakeboarding a go.
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