Start Crewing / Helming is designed for people with little or no sailing experience who want to get a taste of sailing and take their skills further. Run over 3 days, each day will consist of 1 hour of discussion & practical rope work followed by 3 hours of on-water instruction. During the on-water instruction, each group of 4 participants will be accompanied by an instructor accredited by the National Keelboat Scheme. Each participant will be required to wear a life jacket during on-water activities. Instructions on correct fit & use will be an early priority on boarding the boat. Strong winds or forecast strong winds (generally over 15 knots) will be a reason to cancel the on-water activity. Typically, participants will be rotated through different boats & instructors for each on-water session to broaden the experience of various types of boats.

 

The course includes:

• Sail handling – learn to prepare the sails & rig the boat
• Learn the correct use of halyards, sheets & deck hardware
• Reef & shake out sails whilst underway
• Helm & trim sails effectively on all points of the sail
• Helm effectively around a triangular course, including tacking & gybing
• Recover a man overboard under sail as the helm
• Basic weather forecasts
• Emergencies & raising the alarm
• Anchoring the boat

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - AUSTRALIAN SAILING NUMBER

Once you begin registration for this course you may be prompted to obtain an Australian Sailing Number or us your Current One. There are links provided to sign up for an Australian Sailing Number or Find your Existing Number.

This if Free for you and provides Australian Sailing personal Insurance at no cost.

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Course Overview
The first step on the Keelboat pathway introduces you to the basics of sailing on a small keelboat, including boat handling, safety and sailing theory. In the combined course, you will also experience and develop the theory and practical skills to confidently take control on the helm.

Course Prerequisites

Water confident.

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who wish to begin sailing in a keelboat. Learn the basics of crewing and helming, whilst staying relatively dry! All the equipment and gear will be provided by your accredited Discover Sailing Centre.

Course Outcome

You will gain your Start Crewing and Start Helming completion certificate.