Join us for an exhilarating four-day dinghy sailing course designed to immerse you in the thrill of this exciting sport!

In the first two days, master the essential basics (Level 1), establishing a solid foundation. Then, in the following two days, enhance your skills and learn key seamanship techniques (Level 2), ensuring you're confident and competent on the water.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to develop your sailing abilities!

Course programme

Monday – Start Sailing (Level 1)

AM (10 am to 1 pm)

• Course briefing, introductions
• Theory: what to wear whilst sailing, sun protection, buoyancy, and safety
• Rigging, launching, joyride, and orientation
• Reaching course, going about

PM (2 pm to 5 pm)

• Land drills for tacking, practice tacking
• Sailing upwind and the ‘no-go zone’
• Practice sailing upwind and tacking

Tuesday – Start Sailing (Level 1) continued

AM (10 am to 1 pm)

• Theory: five essentials of sailing, sailing downwind and gybing, rules of the road
• Coaching exercise – practice the five essentials, upwind sailing and tacking

PM (2 pm to 5 pm)

• Theory: points of sail, capsize drill
• Coaching exercise – reaching course, practice tacking and gybing
• Sail a triangular course

Wednesday – Basic Skills (Level 2)

AM (10 am to 1 pm)

• Theory: recap points of sail and the five essentials, how a sail works
• On-water coaching exercises, improving tacking and gybing

PM (2 pm to 5 pm)

• Theory: racing the course and starting procedures
• Coaching exercises – racing

Thursday – Basic Skills (Level 2) continued

AM (10 am to 1 pm)

• Theory: weather for sailors, essential knots
• Coaching exercises – basic seamanship skills

PM (2 pm to 5 pm)

• Coaching exercise – racing and seamanship races

Sailing location

The course is based in a spectacular setting at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney Harbour, which is also home to the Australian Olympic Sailing Team.

The weather is generally warm, sunny, and windy, and the sailing area is extensive. Plenty of stunning beaches are just a short sail away.

Equipment and staff

Our training fleet includes RS Zests and Laser Bahias, two-person dinghies with trapeze and asymmetric spinnakers.

Our qualified instructors are friendly, experienced, and professional.

Training, equipment, and safety cover. 

Qualifications 

• RYA/AS Level 1
• RYA/AS Level 2

• This course is suitable for complete beginners aged 12 and above
• You should be able to swim 50 m. 

• Come and hire our sailing dinghies or join our Sunday morning classes to develop your skills.
• Or book a windsurfing course.

• Booking information
  • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as places are limited.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• How fit do I need to be?
  • You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and agility to move around the boat, demonstrate skills repeatedly, and recover from the water after a capsize.
  • While we provide Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), you should be able to swim at least 50 metres unaided in open water.
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to learn are just as important as physical ability.
  • If you’re unsure whether this course is suitable for you, please contact us to discuss your sailing experience and fitness level.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
  • The course runs in a variety of wind and weather conditions to help you gain experience and confidence.
  • In the unlikely event of extreme weather where it’s unsafe to sail, theory sessions, shore-based seamanship skills, and classroom modules will be delivered instead.
• What should I bring with me?
  • Wetsuit or sailing gear appropriate for the season
  • Rash vest, swimwear, and quick-dry clothing
  • Non-slip footwear such as dinghy boots or old trainers
  • Hat, sunglasses with a strap, and high-factor sunscreen
  • A towel and a warm change of clothes for after sessions
  • Water bottle and lunch/snacks for the day
  • A positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to develop your skills!
• Do I need any previous experience?
  • No prior dinghy sailing experience is required. This course is ideal for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of sailing in a safe and supportive environment.
  • You’ll start with the basics and build confidence as you progress through the week with the guidance of our professional instructors.
• What if I capsize?
  • Capsizing is a normal and valuable part of learning to sail dinghies. You’ll be taught how to recover safely and confidently.
  • Our instructors are trained to coach you through the capsize recovery process, and our support boat is always nearby to assist.
  • You’ll be wearing a PFD at all times on the water.