Our learners are typically boys or girls between 9 and 15 years old, and adults. There are no age limits as such, but children younger than 9 can be too small to handle a sailboat in anything but the lightest winds. At the upper end, the only consideration is the decision about whether to put a student into an Optimist or a Laser. Optimists are excellent boats for beginners because they are very stable, but they are small. Lasers with small rigs can be better for teenagers and adults.

Our courses are conducted as eight sessions over 4 weeks, for about two hours per session. The four-week courses are held from October to December, and from February to April. Sessions are usually held on Sunday. Late afternoon sessions on a weekday may be available in some cases.

Our course instructors have been validated by Yachting New Zealand. Our courses use the Yachting New Zealand Learn To Sail syllabus. The Level 1 course is designed for beginners who have not sailed before. The Level 2 course refines and builds on the basic skills acquired from Level 1.

The cost of an eight-session course is $200 including use of a club boat. Lesser fees apply if you bring your own boat, and multiple enrolments from the same household will get a discount.

COURSE DATE FOR 2008

Next course starts on the 3^rd April and there are spaces available.