Keelboat Skippering - Sunday 24th & 31st May 2026

Details

Sun 24 May 2026 09:00 - Sun 31 May 2026 15:00
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Australian Sailing - Keelboat: Start Skippering

Course information

Registrations for this course are closed.

This course will advance your sailing skills and safety knowledge to enable you to skipper unsupervised in sheltered waters. 

Course Cost: $364

*Please note that a payment gateway fee of 2% + $1.60 applies to all online transactions

Course Prerequisites

Water confident and the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained from completing the Start Crewing and Start Helming courses.

Course Outcomes

You will gain your Start Skippering completion certificate. 

This Course Will Cover

 

Preparation

Can demonstrate the correct use and fitting of personal safety equipment, lifejackets and safety harnesses

Can assess risks on board and understands how they may be avoided

Boats and Equipment

Can carry out basic maintenance on a boat

Safety and Emergencies

Knows what safety equipment should be carried on board, its location & operation

Recover a man overboard (as helm)

Knows how to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency

Knows actions to be taken in the event of major gear failure, such as rig or rudder damage

Can prepare for tow by a power vessel

Skills and Techniques

Come to and weigh anchor under sail in various conditions of wind and tide

Pick up and leave a mooring under various conditions of wind and tide

Handle a boat in confined areas under sail

Berth alongside a pontoon under sail

Can correctly tie up to a pontoon using mooring and spring lines

Heave-to

Sail a figure of eight without use of the tiller

Sail backwards under control for a short distance

Sailing Theory

Understands the differing properties and care of synthetic fibre rope

Knows the following: general rules, steering & sailing rules, sound signals, distress signals

Is aware of local regulations

Weather and the Environment

Understands where to obtain a weather forecast and interpret its use

Can interpret a chart of the local area

Has basic knowledge of factors such as: buoyage, depths, areas suitable for anchorage, tidal heights and streams (where applicable)

Can assess risk, traffic density, local regs, narrow channels

Don't have an Australian Sailing Number?
Under your registration, you will see an option to "Begin your Registration" - please select this and follow the prompts

Important Information: Our sailing academy does not offer refunds. However, we will be more than happy to be flexible with any cancellations and find the best solution to reschedule your sailing session.

Cancellations and Rebooking: Please note that courses canceled up to 72 hours in advance by email will not incur a fee to reschedule. However, cancellations made with less than 72 hours notice will be subject to a $75 charge (if you are sick, we will just need proof to waive this charge).

Minimum Attendance Requirement: This course requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. If this number is not met, you may choose to either receive a full refund, or be rebooked for a future session at no extra cost.

What Should I Bring? We recommend suitable sports clothing, please consider the weather you may need a jacket or hat. Sailing equipment such as life jackets will be provided. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle and snack. Food may be available for purchase in our Olympic Bar, its opening hours can be found on the RMYS Website

Questions? For any inquiries, information, or special requests (such as enrolling in a course that is currently in progress), please contact us by email, to training@rmys.com.au. Since we are often out of the office, emailing our training department ensures a quicker response. 


Course Overview
You will now advance your sailing skills and safety knowledge to enable you to skipper unsupervised in sheltered waters.

Course Prerequisites

Water confident and the skills, knowledge and experience you've gained from completing the Start Crewing and Start Helming courses.

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who wish to begin skippering a keelboat, unsupervised.

Course Outcome

You will gain your Start Skippering completion certificate.