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Otago Yacht Club - Learn to Sail
Please note - the 2010 Term 1 course is full
Otago Yacht Club has been teaching people how to sail for over 20 years. Past students have gone on to race at local, national and international events while others have gone on to cruise around New Zealand and further a field such as the Greek Islands and Hamilton Island
Who is Learn to Sail suitable for?
Otago Yacht Clubs Learn to Sail classes are suitable for people aged 8-9 years through to adults. We have many families coming along to learn together.
What Do I Need?
All you need is warm clothing, a towel, a change of clothes and a pair of old shoes that can get wet. The yacht club will supply the boats and buoyancy aids, if you have your own you are most welcome to bring them along.
What Boats Will I Be sailing?
You will taught in a variety of yachts (one person and two person boats), aimed at giving you a variety of sailing experiences. The club owns Optimists, Firebugs, Sunbursts and 420's.
At the beginning of the year students will be given an opportunity to sail on keelboats and trailer yachts
How long is the course?
Learn to Sail is broken up into two levels, each level takes about 8 – 10 weeks. The Otago Yacht Club has two intakes in a season – one prior to Christmas and one afterward Christmas, both during term time.
The course is held on Sunday mornings 9am to 12noon
What will I learn?
Course content for beginners includes topics such as : Wind direction - Rigging an Optimist - Sailing skills - Rope work - Safety - Basic sailing rules - Launching and recovery - Naming of boat parts
Who will teach me?
Otago Yacht Clubs learn to sail classes are run by experienced sailors who have completed and gained their Yachting New Zealands Club Instructors qualification.
What about Safety?
We follow the safety ratios as stipulated by Yachting New Zealand, and always have support boats on the water when there are students on the water.
Who Do I Contact?
Kevin Martin or Murray Grimwood - see contacts page