Start Sailing for Teenagers and Adults

Cowes Yacht Club Discover Start Sailing Program caters for both teens and adults, from beginners to advanced levels. The course includes off the beach sailing theory plus on the water sailing using Cowes Yacht Club Discover Sailing Program boats.
The Start Sailing Program provided by Cowes Yacht Club is accredited by Australian Sailing and caters for adults and youth with the intention of progressing the sailors skill levels in a fun and family environment.

Please book here for:

• Start Sailing 1&2 - Tue-Fri 2 - 5 Jan 2024 (9 am - 1 pm)  - Bookings to open on 30 Sept 2023

• Better Sailing - Mon-Fri 8-12 Jan 2024 (no course on Wed 10 Jan) - 1:30-5:30 pm - Bookings to open on 30 Sept 2023

Course – Start Sailing 1 - Youth and Adults

Your Discover Sailing journey starts here as you learn the fundamental skills of sailing and are introduced to the fun of dinghy sailing in a safe and supportive environment. 

The course covers: Basic clothing and equipment selection, sailing terminology, boat launch and recovery, capsize recovery in shallow water

Course – Start Sailing 2 - Youth and Adults

Your Discover Sailing journey continues as you master all of the fundamental dinghy sailing skills. You are now equipped to sail your dinghy on your own voyages of discovery.

This course covers: Rigging of the boat, capsize recovery in deeper water, sail a triangular course, basic sailing rules and theory.

Course – Better Sailing - Youth and Adults

Your Discover Sailing journey continues as you master all of the fundamental dinghy sailing skills. Sail in stronger winds as you develop the skills required to get maximum speed from your dinghy. 

This course covers: Adjust sails & rigging to suit conditions, roll tack, roll gybe, sail the boat backwards, sail both a trapeziod and slalom course, basic sailing rules and theory while sailing a course in a fleet.

Course – Start Racing - Youth and Adults

Your Discover Sailing journey continues as you master all of the fundamental dinghy sailing skills. Join in the fun and challenge as you learn the basics of racing in a dinghy.

This course covers: Starting procedures, Mark roundings, boat trim, sail common race course configurations, basic racing rules and theory.