From beginner to regular sailor—your journey starts here

Coffs Harbour Yacht Club is an accredited Discover Sailing Centre. Start Sailing 1 introduces teenagers (12+) and adults to the fundamentals of dinghy sailing and prepares you to continue as part of our club’s weekly sailing community.

Across four practical sessions, you will learn essential on-water skills in a safe, supportive environment using CHYC’s Pacer dinghies. Our experienced instructors tailor the program to all learning levels, helping you build confidence and develop the foundations for ongoing participation in the sport.

This course is designed as the entry point to regular club sailing, and graduates transition directly into our Saturday morning Skill Development Training sessions (9.30am–12pm most weeks), where you’ll continue improving through on-water coaching and structured practice.

At the conclusion of the course, participants receive an Introductory Sailing Membership through until June 30th, 2026, which includes supervised access to club training boats during our Saturday morning Skill Development sessions—designed to support your ongoing progress as you develop into a regular sailor.

 

Course Includes

• Four practical learn to sail sessions with an accredited learn to sail instructor

• 9.30-12pm on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th February, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February. In case of any bad weather the backup session is Saturday 7th March. Please be available for all course dates. 

• Introduction to rigging, steering and basic sailing

• All equipment provided

At completion of this course

• Introductory Sailing Membership with CHYC until June 30, 2026

• Ongoing coaching and support through weekly Skill Development Training

• Priority booking for up to six Skill Development Sessions on the following dates. (April 11th & 18th, May 17th & 31st, June 14^th & 28th)- weather permitting.

• Ongoing sailing support

What do you need to bring with you?

• You need to bring wet weather gear including footwear that can get wet and a sun hat. A wetsuit or board shorts and rash shirt or t-shirt are recommended.

• A towel and a change of clothes.

• We supply training boats and training materials.

To register for this event please follow the links to register first for an Australian Sailing number, then become a member of the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club- select the Sailpass membership for a free temporary membership. Complete the rest of the registration. Email sailing@coffsyachtie.com.au if you have any questions or need assistance.

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Course Overview

This course introduces participants to dinghy sailing and its fundamental skills so they learn terminology and equipment and practice launching and returning to shore and capsize recovery. 

Course Prerequisites

Water confident.

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who wish to begin sailing in a dinghy. All the equipment and gear will be provided by your accredited Discover Sailing Centre.

Course Outcome

You will gain your Start Sailing 1 completion certificate. 

 

We recognise that some of our course participants are completing the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and may be using sailing and/or club membership to complete one or more sections of The Award. To learn more, click here.