Learn To Sail (LTS)

Learn to Sail (LTS)

Sailing is open to all members of the community between the ages 6 -106, however, our learn to sail (LTS) program is mainly aimed at 6-16 year olds. In 2021 the club aquired some RS Feva trainging boats which now allow us to cater to adult LTS alongside under 18's. LTS participants are required to be able to swim 50 metres wearing a PFD (life jacket) and testing will take place at the first appropriate opportunity at the club.

LTS runs on most Saturdays in the season 9:00-11:30(ish) at the club, see the calendar to see when it is on. Registration for our learn to sail program for the 2024-25 season will open on the 1st August. Once LTS is full, you can join a waitlist. To register for learn to sail use the membership page and choose learn to sail in membership application. Cost: $280 for under 18yo, $330 adults. (membership included). PFD's are povided.

Please browse our website and photo gallery to get a good idea where, when and how our club operates.

PARENT/CARER Involvement for Under 18 Members and LTS/2+ Participants

All activities at HKSC are performed by volunteers, therefore it is essential that parents assist throughout the sailing season.

People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian or designated adult for the duration of LTS/LTS2+/racing at the club on sailing days for emergency contact reasons (and we are not a child minding service). Parents are not expected to be sailing with their children, just a presence at the club is required to assist with various duties and for unforseen medical emergencies. Parent/carers are expected to assist in the canteen, general rostered duties, clubhouse cleaning/maintenance or safety boats during the season. Any parent /carer who wishes to train/upskill in the use of safety or sailing boats are encouraged to do so.

Venue

Our Sailing Club is located on a beach at Dead Horse Bay near Brooklyn, NSW, 2083, on the lower Hawkesbury River. The club cannot be accessed by road, but is accessible from Parsley Bay by boat, or by walking on one of the bush access trails from Parsley Bay or Brooklyn which will take about 10 minutes.

What do I do in LTS?

Classes will be held on Water Safety, Nautical Language, Knots, Rigging and Sailing Theory at Magpies Waitara, on some Wednesday or Thursday evenings during the season. The time for these is generally 18:30-19:30 allowing for dinner before or after (whatever suits you).
You will have fun in our LTS program. It is designed to develop a healthy confidence in sailing boats, as well as developing the necessary foundational skills to be life long and happy sailors.
LTS sailors are under the supervision of experienced and Australian Sailing qualified instructors at all times.
LTS is carried out in 2-4 person dinghies (boats) and it can be helpful to come with a friend or relative OR make some new friends with us during the season!

Click here for further information about HKSC and our LTS/2+ programs.

Facilities

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Sailing Club has a facility that incorporates boat storage, canteen, toilets and change rooms.

Canteen
- A variety of healthy hot and cold food is available, as well as a large assortment of refreshments. Members are encouraged to to patronise our canteen, as this is a major source of income. Without this revenue, our day to day operations could not continue, and the fixed membership prices would have to be higher.
Boat Storage
- The facility has boat storage for approx 30 boats, undercover, specifically for the recommended classes sailed at the club.
Toilets / Change Room
- Toilets and change facility are available (no showers).

Types Of Sailing

Sailing is a fun, safe, accessible, and affordable sport that welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. There are many different ways to get started in sailing through Learn to Sail and a range of opportunities for you to continue sailing in clubs as you develop your skills, experience and confidence.

There are many different types of sailing to choose from:

Social sailing - Non-competitive participation that involves just going for a sail
Cruising - A form of social sailing where a destination to sail to is selected
Racing - A number of boats going round a course in a competitive structure. There are different levels of competition from more social or introductory racing through to serious national and international regattas.