TESTING DO NOT ENROL -opening soon

JUNIOR LEARN TO SAIL

The training scheme at Northbridge Sailing Club Sailing School provides sailing dinghy training from beginner to racing. Students should be able to swim confidently (without panic). The Learn to Sail journey starts here, where young people aged from about 8 years old get training in the basics before moving on to more advanced courses.

We sail in the protected waters of Middle Harbour, from the club situated in Clive Park, starting in the mornings when winds are at their lightest and ideal for gaining confidence in a small boat, and marvelling how the gentlest zephyr glides the boat silently over the water. Previous graduates form the core of our voluntary instructors, so there is nothing that will faze them - they've seen it, or done it, all before!

We start in Optimist dinghys, an international class that is sailed all around the world. Despite looking old fashioned, they are challenging to sail well. The square shape provides stability - essential during early learning - but then demands concentration and skill to get the best out of them. The Club has a fleet of plastic boats ("Ploptimists") that can handle the rough and tumble of beginners, and some Pacers and Lasers where they can go out with instructors to experience the thrills of larger boats. The course is a mix of on-shore and on-water activity, theory and practice.

Sailing teaches self-reliance and builds confidence - after all there is only one person on the boat! All conducted in fresh air away from screens.

As juniors progress, the expectation is that by the end of the year they will acquire their own boat (second had boats can be obtained from members whose children have outgrown them, or from other clubs). An own boat is needed for our famous "Live In" sailing camp in January, and to progress to our more advanced 'Learn to Race' and 'Racing' coaching classes hel later in the day. Boat ownership also teaches responsibility - boats must be rigged and derigged, washed down after sailing, equipment put away and maintenance noted.

Before you know it, someone will be asking "Can I go to a regatta?"

This is not a catered event, food is available for purchase from the Canteen, run by the parents of the Learn to Sail juniors. Northbridge Sailing Club is a not-for-profit club run by volunteers, so parents please raise your hands to help, whether on shore or on the water. You learn what is involved, meet new people and, generally, have fun!

To join the course you must first be members of the club; go to Membership and sign up at least one responsible Adult member and the child or children who wish to enrol. You will receive an Australian Sailing number and member log in details, needed to sign up for this course. Sign up the children in the course, so we have the correct names!

Course fee:  $700 per person.  This covers the whole season, 26 Sundays, and progression into more advanced coaching classes as skills develop.

Membership: $360 for the responsible adult, $30 per additional person. Registered separately. Covers the season. 

What are you waiting for? Limited places available.