Learn to sail and build real confidence on the water with this fun and immersive four-day dinghy sailing course.

Combining RYA Level 1 Start Sailing and RYA Level 2 Basic Skills, this programme takes you from complete beginner to confident improver in just four days.

You’ll begin by learning the fundamentals of dinghy sailing before progressing to stronger boat handling, practical seamanship skills, and more independent sailing. With plenty of time on the water and expert coaching throughout, you’ll quickly develop confidence while having a great time.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to rig, launch, sail confidently around a course, and continue developing your sailing independently with friends and family.

Course programme

Monday — Start Sailing (Level 1)

Learn the essentials of rigging, launching, steering, sailing on a reach, and your first tacks.

Tuesday — Start Sailing (Level 1) continued

Develop the five essentials of sailing, improve upwind and downwind control, practise gybing, and complete your capsize recovery.

Wednesday — Basic Skills (Level 2)

Build confidence through more advanced boat handling, smoother manoeuvres, and your introduction to sailing around a course.

Thursday — Basic Skills (Level 2) continued

Develop practical seamanship skills, learn weather basics and essential knots, and finish with fun racing and practical challenges on the water.

Sailing location

Train at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney Harbour — one of Australia’s premier sailing venues and home to the Australian Olympic Sailing Team.

Protected waters, reliable breezes, and beautiful beaches nearby create the ideal environment for learning quickly and enjoying every session.

Equipment and instructors

Our fleet includes RS Zests and Laser Bahias — modern, stable two-person dinghies designed to help sailors progress quickly while introducing performance features such as trapeze and asymmetric spinnakers.

Our qualified instructors are friendly, experienced, and passionate about helping every sailor succeed.

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.
• Can I book this as a private course?
  • Yes — we love private group bookings.
  • Arrange your own group of 5 or more participants and receive a 20% discount on the overall course price.
  • Private courses are ideal for families, friends, schools, corporate groups, and sailing clubs who want a more personalised experience.
  • Contact us to discuss dates, group size, and availability.
• What is the course programme?
  • Monday — Start Sailing (Level 1)
    • Introduction, safety briefing, and getting to know the boats
    • Rigging, launching, steering, and your first sail
    • Learn to sail on a reach and practise your first tacks
  • Tuesday — Start Sailing (Level 1) continued
    • Develop the five essentials of sailing
    • Improve upwind and downwind control
    • Practise gybing and complete your capsize recovery
    • Sail around a simple course
  • Wednesday — Basic Skills (Level 2)
    • Build confidence with more advanced boat handling
    • Improve tacking and gybing
    • Introduction to sailing around a course and basic racing
  • Thursday — Basic Skills (Level 2) continued
    • Learn practical seamanship skills
    • Introduction to weather and essential knots
    • Finish with racing and fun practical sailing challenges
• Do I need any previous experience?
  • No prior dinghy sailing experience is required. This course is ideal for complete beginners.
  • You’ll start with the basics and build confidence throughout the four days with guidance from our professional instructors.
• How fit do I need to be?
  • You’ll need reasonable fitness and agility to move around the boat 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 willingness to learn are just as important as physical ability.
  • If you’re unsure whether the course is suitable, please contact us to discuss your experience and fitness level.
• 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 under instructor guidance.
  • Our support boat is always nearby to assist, and you’ll wear a PFD at all times.
• What happens if the weather is bad?
  • The course runs in a variety of wind and weather conditions to help you gain confidence.
  • If conditions are unsafe for sailing, we may deliver shore-based seamanship, theory sessions, or practical land drills instead.
• What should I bring with me?
  • Wetsuit or sailing gear suitable for the season
  • Rash vest, swimwear, and quick-dry clothing
  • Non-slip footwear such as dinghy boots or old trainers
  • Hat, sunglasses with a retainer, and sunscreen
  • Towel and warm change of clothes
  • Water bottle and lunch or snacks
  • A positive attitude and readiness to learn