Introduction to sailing: Two days, one night
This practical course is great for beginners who want to learn fundamental skills and fully participate in all aspects of sailing aboard a yacht in the Bay of Islands. Safe and enjoyable you’ll be with your instructor each day and have the option of sleeping aboard the boat by yourselves between days one and two
This is a beginner course, no prior experience is assumed or required. Suitable for solo sailors, couples, families, and small groups of friends. You have the boat and instructor to yourselves.
Choice of yacht
- Two sailors: Davidson 20
- One to three adult sailors: Noelex 25
- Two adult sailors and up to two children (4-14): Noelex 25
- Four to five adult sailors: Noelex 30
- Three to four adult sailors and one or two children (4-14): Noelex 30
Overview of Course
Day one – Commences at 9.30am with a dock briefing then you cast off for a day’s sailing in the bay with your instructor. You’ll anchor somewhere sheltered for lunch, with an option of a swim or walk ashore. Return to base or mooring approximately 4.00pm.
Overnight – (Note: you do not have to sleep aboard, some sailors prefer the comfort of a bed ashore)
- OPTION 1: Sleep aboard tied to the Great Escape dock at Opua – you are welcome to cook aboard or go to the local yacht club for a meal.
- OPTION 2: Weather permitting sleep aboard somewhere in the beautiful Bay of Islands, either safely at anchor or tied to a Great Escape mooring, we suggest you cook aboard for this option.
Day two – Another day out sailing in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Your instructor joins you around 9.30am, Again you’ll anchor somewhere sheltered for lunch, with an option of a swim or walk ashore. Your sailing course concludes back at the Opua Base approximately 4.00 pm.
“This was a really enjoyable experience. My wife and I spent a lovely weekend together getting our level 1 sailing certificate (with Laura as our instructor). The style of teaching was very friendly and stress-free, and as a result we enjoyed our time plus learned a heap. We also got to visit and swim in a stunning Bay of islands location we never knew existed. ..”
– Tripadvisor May23
Taking the helm for the first time
Instruction on the way down the channel
Proudly displaying certificates
Course Content
- Safety aboard. Hazards, equipment
- Parts of the boat and sailing definitions
- Hoisting and changing the mainsail and headsail, basics of sail trim and tell-tale use.
- Coping with a person overboard
- Understanding weather forecasts and the clothing suitable for different conditions
- Learning a variety of knots and their uses
- Performing all roles associated with tacking and gybing
- Experience helming and crewing on all points of sail
- An introduction to the give way rules at sea
Qualifications
- Yachting New Zealand Keelboat Sailing Level 1
