Enhance your basic sailing skills, develop new abilities, and enjoy a fun-filled training experience.

You will practise your sailing and racing skills in our single-handers and then go on to develop racing and spinnaker-handling skills in our double-handers.

Dinghy racing is not only lots of fun, but it's one of the best ways to sharpen your sailing skills all around.

Course program

Day 1 – RYA Dinghy Start Racing

AM (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

• Course briefing and introductions
• Theory: Recap, personal sailing gear, sun protection, seven common senses, and points of sailing
• Rigging and sailing off the beach
• Coursework: Follow my leader and practise the five essentials

PM (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

• Upwind and downwind races and sailing exercises
• Triangular course races

Day 2 – RYA Dinghy Start Racing

AM (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

• Theory: Recap, sail trim, and rules of the road
• On-water coaching exercises

PM (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

• Race practice: Upwind and downwind
• Practice starts

Day 3 – RYA Dinghy Spinnaker Handling

AM (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

• Land drill: Rigging the spinnaker, hoisting, trimming, gybing, and dropping
• On-water practice: Spinnaker handling, upwind and downwind

PM (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

• Spinnaker handling races: Upwind and downwind

Day 4 – RYA Dinghy Spinnaker Handling

• Dinghy regatta

Sailing location

This course takes place in a spectacular setting at Middle Harbour Yacht Club on Sydney Harbour.

The weather is generally warm, sunny, and breezy. The sailing area is extensive, with many stunning beaches just a short sail away.

Equipment and instructors

• Dinghies: Sail on our fleet of RS Zest single-handers and Laser Bahias—two-person dinghies equipped with trapeze and asymmetric spinnakers.
• Instructors: Our qualified, friendly, and experienced professionals ensure a supportive and engaging learning experience.

Book a private course. 

Why not bring your own group of family and friends? Organise a private course with five or more participants and enjoy a 20% discount!

We’ll work with you to find a date that suits your group.

Click the "Enquiry" button at the top of the page to start planning your adventure!

• Training, equipment, safety cover.
• Lots of fun!
• BYO - packed lunch. 

Qualifications 

• RYA Start Racing 
• RYA Spinnaker Handling 

• This course is suitable for basic sailors who have completed our level 1 and 2, learn to sail course, or who have equivalent experience.
• Suitable for ages 12 and upwards
• You should be able to swim 50 m.

• Ask about our dinghy hire and race coaching classes. 
• Or why not start yachting or windsurfing!

• 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!