Learn To Sail

Learn to Sail (LTS)

LTS sessions run on Saturdays 9-11:30am for 6-18yo and 11-12:30 for adults. The season runs from late September to April (see calendar) except for some school holiday weekends. The club uses RS Feva and Manly Junior boats to teach sailing. The course mostly follows the Australia Sailing 'Start sailing program' syllabus. PFDs are provided.

LTS fees include membership for the season so you can also join in racing as a crew for someone in the afternoon if you want.

To register for LTS goto the membership page and use the blue buttons at the bottom. ( LTS sessions are a mombership option).

PARENT/CARER Involvement for Under 18 Members and LTS/2+ Participants

All activities at HKSC are performed by volunteers, therefore it is essential that parents assist throughout the sailing season.

People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian or designated adult for the duration of LTS/LTS2+/racing at the club on sailing days for emergency contact reasons. Parents are not expected to be sailing with their children, just a presence at the club is required to assist with various duties and for unforseen medical emergencies. Parent/carers are expected to help with the canteen and or safety boat duty roster. Any parent /carer who wishes to obtain their boat license or do a safety course are encouraged to do so.

Venue

HKSC is located on a beach at Dead Horse Bay near Brooklyn, NSW, 2083, on the lower Hawkesbury River. The club cannot be accessed by road, but is accessible from Parsley Bay by boat, or by walking on one of the bush access trails from Parsley Bay or Brooklyn which will take about 10 minutes.

What do I do in LTS?

The course on the water on Saturday mornings mainly follows the Australian Sailing 'Start sailing' program. You will learn to capsise revovery, sailing across the wind, tacking, gybing, sailing up and down wind and how to sail faster.
Theory Classes will be held on Water Safety, Nautical Language, Knots, Rigging and Sailing Theory at Magpies Waitara, on some Wednesday or Thursday evenings during the season. The time for these is generally 18:30-19:30 allowing for dinner before or after (whatever suits you).
You will have fun in our LTS program. It is designed to develop a healthy confidence in sailing boats, as well as developing the necessary foundational skills to be life long and happy sailors.
LTS sailors are under the supervision of experienced and Australian Sailing qualified instructors at all times.
LTS is carried out in 2-4 person dinghies (boats) and it can be helpful to come with a friend or relative OR make some new friends with us during the season!

Click here for further information about HKSC and our LTS/2+ programs.

Facilities

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Sailing Club has a facility that incorporates boat storage, canteen, toilets and change rooms.

Canteen
- A variety of healthy hot and cold food is available, as well as a large assortment of refreshments. Members are encouraged to to patronise our canteen, as this is a major source of income. Without this revenue, our day to day operations could not continue, and the fixed membership prices would have to be higher.
Boat Storage
- The facility has boat storage for approx 30 boats, undercover, specifically for the recommended classes sailed at the club.
Toilets / Change Room
- Toilets and change facility are available (no showers).

Types Of Sailing

Sailing is a fun, safe, accessible, and affordable sport that welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. There are many different ways to get started in sailing through Learn to Sail and a range of opportunities for you to continue sailing in clubs as you develop your skills, experience and confidence.

There are many different types of sailing to choose from:

Social sailing - Non-competitive participation that involves just going for a sail
Cruising - A form of social sailing where a destination to sail to is selected
Racing - A number of boats going round a course in a competitive structure. There are different levels of competition from more social or introductory racing through to serious national and international regattas.