The quickest and simplest way to learn to sail is in a dinghy, either one designed for a single person or a bigger one that takes a crew.

There are sailing clubs all over the country operating on reservoirs, lakes and open water.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has more than 100,000 members and should be the first port of call for families wishing to try yachting.

It represents all forms of recreational and competitive sailing and offers courses for all levels and ages – don’t expect to stay dry, though!

It doesn’t take long to learn the basics of sailing: training will teach you all you need to know to operate the boat.

You can hire dinghies from your yachting club, although if you have somewhere to store it, a second-hand dinghy can be bought for a few hundred pounds. The RYA offers a beginner’s two-day course for people wanting to learn to use a dinghy and there are special courses for the under-16s.

A beginners’ course will give you an introduction to boat handling techniques and give you enough knowledge to get afloat under supervision.

Further courses will help you to become a competent sailor, learn specific techniques and manoeuvres, understand seamanship and learn how to recover if you capsize.

Not only is sailing great fun in its own right but young people may be able to use their RYA certificate to contribute towards other qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Sailing is an excellent family activity as you can all learn and practise together.

Once you are confident handling a dinghy you might be interested in racing, although yachting for recreational purposes is fine for many people.

The RYA offers programmes that will teach you how to get around a racing course and have the confidence to take part. The Optimist class is for under-16s and is how most adult competitive sailors begin their sailing careers.

For more information about RYA courses and yachting clubs see www.rya.org.uk. It’s quick and easy to learn and one of the best family activities which you can all do together.

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