Mixed Male/Female Class

The initial Adult ‘Learn to Sail a Dinghy' (Start Sailing 1) program at Port Kembla Sailing Club runs over 5 weeks and will take you from novice to competent! During this course, you will have hands-on experience as both skipper and crew with an experienced instructor, learning the basics. You are expected to attend all sessions to get the most out of the course.

Port Kembla Sailing Club is located on the northern shore of Lake Illawarra next to Berkeley Harbour. It has a grassy rigging area, clubhouse with canteen, changerooms with hot showers, a sandy beach and plenty of parking.

The course will be conducted on the club's fleet of three, large and stable RS Vision dinghies. For weeks 1 & 2, you will have an instructor on board. After that, instruction will be given by the instructor aboard a safety boat (RIB). You will need to be water-confident and have sufficient strength and agility to right a capsized boat and get back on board. Courses are limited to nine participants with two instructors.

Throughout the Learn to Sail program, instructors will follow the Australian Sailing-prescribed syllabus, with an emphasis on learning and progression, while keeping safety and fun in mind!

After participants complete Start Sailing 1, progression is at the sailor’s discretion or the instructor’s recommendations.

Please note that this course is for participants 15 years and over.

PKSC Adult Dinghy Learn to Sail Pathway

• Start Sailing 1 - 5 x 3hr sessions (Novice sailors)
  Start Sailing 2 - must have completed SS1 or have demonstrated competence
  Better Sailing - must have completed SS1 & 2 or have demonstrated competence
  Start Racing - must have completed BS or have demonstrated competence
  Better Racing - must have completed SR or have demonstrated competence

Course Overview - Start Sailing 1

This course introduces participants to dinghy sailing and its fundamental skills, learn terminology, correct handling of equipment and practice launching and returning to shore, and capsize recovery. Participants will be able to identify points of sailing and be able to sail upwind and downwind as well as change direction.

Course Prerequisites

Water confident.

Course Cost

$320 for 5 weeks (15 hours)

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. 

What to bring

• Buoyancy vests are supplied. 
• Wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet - a light long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection) and shorts
• Light footwear that you don't mind getting wet. Reef shoes are perfect.
• A hat and sun-screen
• Water bottle
• A towel to dry off.

You will learn the basics of sailing including: how to rig your boat, safe sailing practice, how to use sails and steer a sailing dinghy at different points of sailing, and fundamental seamanship skills about the weather and knots, and  able to safely right a boat after a capsize.  

By the completion of the course, you will be proficient in boat terminology, able to rig independently, and able to safely sail at all points of sailing in light conditions.  

Start Sailing 2

After completing Start Sailing 1 you can progress to the next level in your sailing journey by participating in Start Sailing 2 course over 5 weeks. 

Better Sailing

A course for students who have mastered all the skills learned in Start Sailing 2. Sailors in Better Sailing will continue to improve their boat handling skills, learn and practice boat handling and skills necessary to participate on a race course. 

Our courses are designed to assist you in becoming a competent sailor, confident enough to participate in club activities such as afternoon racing. That's when the real fun begins!

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.