Learn to Sail

Learn a New Skill

Sailing is a complex activity and learning the basics from an instructor can be the start of a lifetime of fun experinces and learning. We offer low-risk, low-stress introductory lessons using a Hobie 18 catamaran. This boat is recognised as an exciting but safe stable and easy to control boat. Class sizes of two students are best but four is possible. Small class sizes ensures that there is plenty of time for questions and personal instruction. 

Course Content

This course is for adult beginners with minimal experience. Children (8yrs+) and young teenagers are welcome but only when in the company of a parent or guardian who is also a student. The course is focussed on; launching and retrieval from the beach, steering and sail control, tacking and gybing, person overboard recovery, wind and water awareness and maybe trapeze.

Scott Kesteven is our Australian Sailing approved and qualified Dinghy Instructor who has over 50yrs of saling experience. He will adapt the course to suit whatever it is that you wish to learn as best he can. When you are sailing he will be on the boat with you to ensure the lessons are as safe as possible.

The course begins at 10am at the club with an introduction to the theory and practicalities of sailing followed by discussions and demonstrations on the Hobie at the beach, and finally several hours on the water to complete the day by about 2pm. 

 Times and where:

Classes are 4hrs long and are offered most Sundays throughout the sailing season. Speak to Scott about setting your date. Lessons begin at 10am at the club house at 1Iluka Rd, Palm Beach. Search for Snapperman Lane, Palm Beach, as it joins Iluka Rd diagonally opposite the clubhouse. Usually there is free street parking nearby. The clubhouse has a fridge and bathroom facilities.

 What to bring on the day: 

A personal floatation device (PFD) must be worn when sailing. The club has two adult medium sized PFDs available but if this size won’t suit you, please bring one that does. Decathalon, Anaconda, BCF carry a range of general use PFDs which can be much cheaper than sailing specific ones. Zhik, Musto or Gill are common PFD brands worn by small boat sailors. If it is a warm day rashies and shorts will do, but if cool a wetsuit maybe worth considering. A hat or cap, sunnies, booties and gloves are also worth considering. Scott doesn't wear booties and many sailors use cheap cotton gardening gloves with silicone grip.

For students wishing to learn trapeze, an adjustable medium sized adult trapeze harness and a small harness suited to hips up to about 70-75cm are available.

Food and water: 

There is a cafe nearby open till 1pm. Alternatively, bring a light lunch to eat before we head to the beach where the boat will be waiting. Bring a water bottle and maybe some snacks in waterproof wrapping eg., muesli bars, to take on the boat as we may be out for over 2hrs. 

Cost:

$50/p/d to be paid prior to the course. 

Contact:

Email the club at comm.pbsc@gmail.com or call Scott Kesteven, 0429 773 110.