Learning your role in the middle of a fast-paced race can be tough, especially if you're being shouted at!

This short course offers a calmer, more structured way to build your confidence and competence as a racing crew member.

We'll guide you through the key crew roles on a racing yacht, helping you understand the responsibilities of the bow, mast, pit, trimmers (brace/sheet), mainsheet, helm, and navigator/tactician.

Course programme

Day 1

• Course briefing – crew roles, rigging the spinnaker gear, raising/lowering the pole, dip-pole gybe system
• Upwind race techniques
• Downwind – hoist, trim, and drop

Day 2

• Upwind/downwind drills – spinnaker handling practice
• Gybing and floating techniques
• Rotate through crew positions
• Practice races to consolidate learning

Sailing location

Sydney Harbour is one of the world's premier yacht racing venues. With reliable winds, warm weather, and stunning scenery, it's the perfect place to hone your racing skills.

Yachts and instructors

You'll train on our race-tuned Beneteau 40.7 yachts – well-balanced cruiser-racers that offer both comfort and performance.

Our instructors bring years of international racing experience and are known for their friendly, supportive coaching style.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take an active role on any yacht racing in a spinnaker division.

Private course – mates rates!

Want to race with your own crew? Book a private course for up to seven people, choose your own date, and pay for only five places.

• Instruction, safety equipment, and course materials.
• We can provide wet weather clothing if required.
• Some great sailing!

• You know your way around a boat and have some previous crewing experience. 
• If you are a beginner please see our Competent Crew course.

• Having developed your spinnaker handling skills you will be ready to go on to learn rules, tactics, and strategies on the race course. 
• Why not join us for one of our race events?