Learn to Sail

Tinaroo Sailing Club is an Australian Sailing accredited Discover Sailing Centre with qualified instructors.

We conduct two basic courses to get absolute beginners on the water. Both courses are open to adults and children from nine years of age. Water familiarity and basic swimming skills are essential.

If you are about to try sailing for the first time, the “Start Sailing 1” course is for you. It is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to small boat sailing. At the completion of this short course, you will probably know you are hooked. At this stage you could be a good first time crew and will be ready to learn some of the more advanced skills of sailing.

Content:

·         Introduction to safety

·         Boat orientation

·         Introduction to rigging

·         Sailing orientation

·         Capsize recovery

·         Sailing on a beam reach

·         Boat speed control

·         Leaving and returning to the beach

·         Sailing a marked course

·         Towing and basic rescue

·         Basic right of way rules

Cost is normally $150

“Start Sailing 2” is designed to consolidate the experience and knowledge gained in the Start Sailing 1 course and introduces skills that will enable the successful participant to safely and competently sail a small boat in controlled conditions (light winds, enclosed waters), without guidance.

Content:

·         Rigging the boat

·         Sailing a marked course

·         Sailing to windward

·         Sailing downwind

·         Points of sailing

·         More rules

·         Care of equipment

·         Crew recovery drill

·         Coming alongside

·         Practice session

Cost is normally $100

Upcoming Courses:-

Are listed in the "Upcoming events" section of our home page or you can use the "Events" link at the top of this page.. 

Cost: $150 and $100 for each additional family member

Students will need their own personal flotation device (lifejacket), but are not required to be club members. Students without a lifejacket may be able to borrow one from our club for the time being.

Students must bring their own food, togs, towel, change of clothes, hat, sunscreen, shoes and water bottle. Sunglasses are recommended, but you will be getting wet, so don’t bring anything too precious. A basic kitchen and toilet/shower facilities are available at the club.

Enrolment in the course does not guarantee completion. Participants who demonstrate the necessary competencies will receive a qualification certificate. Students that need further training before receiving their qualification can enrol in subsequent courses at a reduced rate by arrangement with the instructors.

Dinghies

Tuition is in our fleet of training vessels, comprising two RS Quests, seven RS Fevas and five Open Skiffs (our club’s junior class). These simple dinghies provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to the sport of sailing.

How to Enrol

Numbers for each course are limited by instructor availability. Nominations will be accepted on a “first in, first served” basis. Registrations take place online and all fees are payable in advance using the same online registration system.

What comes next?

After completion of Start Sailing 1 & 2 students who join the club are welcome to participate in our Learn to Race division on Club days. Bring your own boat, or hire a club boat (depends on availability, you need to book). Races are short, starts are separate to the 'serious' racers and there is some guidance provided both on and off the water. Even if racing is not your aim, learning to race will sharpen your sailing skills quickly and build confidence.