Start Crewing & Start Helming | Keelboat Foundations

The Start Crewing & Start Helming course is the first step on the keelboat sailing pathway. Delivered in a supportive, practical on-water environment, this program introduces participants to the fundamentals of sailing aboard a small keelboat.

Across the course, participants build foundational knowledge and hands-on skills, including:

• Boat handling and control
• Sailing safety and awareness
• Basic sailing theory
• Crewing techniques and teamwork
• Introduction to helming and steering

The combined structure allows participants to both crew and take the helm, progressively building confidence, competence, and comfort on the water across each session.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for participants who are new to keelboat sailing or looking to build core skills. No prior sailing experience is required—participants only need to be water confident and willing to learn.

Course Outcomes

On completion, participants will receive:

• Start Crewing Completion Certificate
• Start Helming Completion Certificate

All sailing equipment and safety gear is provided.

🧭 What’s It All About?

This session is part of the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project training pathway, designed to develop sailing confidence, build practical skills, and introduce participants to SVSP boats and programs.

Training sessions are relaxed, structured, and may include:

• Skills and drills
• Learn-to-sail fundamentals (Crewing, Helming, Skipper progression)
• Elliott 7 boat inductions
• Boat handling and crew coordination
• Short training races or structured on-water exercises

Whether you are new to sailing or developing confidence on the helm, this is a supportive environment to learn, practice, and enjoy time on the water with fellow veterans, families, and supporters.

No experience required—just a good attitude and willingness to give it a go.

🚗 Location & Parking

Middle Harbour Yacht Club
75 Lower Parriwi Road, Mosman NSW 2088

• Paid parking available in the main car park (~$10/hour)
• Limited free parking along the service road beside the club
• Free street parking approx. 100m up Parriwi Road
• Northern Beaches Beach Permit holders may also use Spit Bridge north-side car park (~5 min walk)

⏰ Flow of the Day

Meet & Greet
Arrival, check-in, and introductions

Safety & Briefing
Session overview, conditions, and safety briefing

On-Water Training ⛵
Skills development, drills, and sailing practice

Return & Debrief
Boat pack-down and end-of-session debrief

Cost

This course is fully funded for SVSP Salty Supporters, with participants only required to pay the external Australian Sailing certification fee of $22.04.

If you're currently registered as a Funded Community Participant, you'll need to upgrade to an SVSP Salty Supporter Membership ($75/year) before registering.

This membership helps SVSP cover the logistics involved in delivering courses and ensures we can continue providing supported sailing programs, training opportunities, scholarships and regatta access.

💬 Financial hardship support is available—please reach out if cost is a barrier. We never want finances to prevent someone from getting out on the water.

⚓ About SVSP

Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project is an ACNC-registered health promotion charity supporting current and former serving ADF members and their families through socially supported sailing programs.

💛⚓️💙

Course Overview
The first step on the Keelboat pathway introduces you to the basics of sailing on a small keelboat, including boat handling, safety and sailing theory. In the combined course, you will also experience and develop the theory and practical skills to confidently take control on the helm.

Course Prerequisites

Water confident.

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who wish to begin sailing in a keelboat. Learn the basics of crewing and helming, whilst staying relatively dry! All the equipment and gear will be provided by your accredited Discover Sailing Centre.

Course Outcome

You will gain your Start Crewing and Start Helming completion certificate.