Discover Sailing Experience

We are pleased to welcome you to discover the wonderful world of sailing on a Discover Sailing Experience on Saturday 2nd September 2023. 

This fun 'taste of sailing' will involve a three-hour morning session on-water, after a boat orientation & safety briefing provided by our highly qualified & experienced instructors. 

We cater for absolute beginners who have never stepped foot on a boat before, in a safe & supportive environment.  With guidance, you will be actively involved in sailing, pulling ropes, changing sides during tacks and working together as a crew.  There will of course be time to have a look around the Harbour and view our beautiful city from a completely different angle!

The session will run from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

The registration fee for this course is $80 per person

The NCYC Sailing Academy abides by the Australian Sailing instructor:student ratios, hence places are strictly limited.  To avoid disappointment, we recommend registering early.  

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The Boats we Sail

Sailing will be conducted on the Club's fleet of 'Force 24' keelboats, which are 24 feet (7.31m) long and carry an Instructor and up to four course participants.  We will sail with a headsail or jib (small sail at the front) and a mainsail (large sail on the tall mast).  All sailing boats lean to the side with the wind but these boats were specifically designed for teaching beginning sailors and are very stable. They have a large lead keel for ballast that prevents the boat from tipping over.  We will be sailing inshore on the mainly flat waters of Newcastle Harbour, we do not go out onto the ocean.

What should you Wear

All you need to wear are some comfortable, warm clothes that are suitable for outdoor activity and allow you freedom of movement, with a pair of enclosed shoes to protect your feet.  Active wear is suitable or shorts/trousers & t-shirt/polo shirt.  A wind/spray jacket is a good idea for cooler days.  Joggers/sandshoes or any non-marking rubber soled shoes that provide support would be suitable. 

For sun protection we recommend a hat with a chin strap or one that is firm fitting so as not to blow off in the wind.  Don't forget suncream!  We will supply you with a life-jacket.  Your 'sailing gear' may get slightly wet from occasional splashes.

General Course Information

We offer further details and general course information, both within your confirmation email (please check your junk/spam folder) as well as on our website, covering parking, where to meet etc - please follow this link  CLICK HERE  Also included are some Sailing FAQs.

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Having trouble registering? 

You don't have an Australian Sailing Number? 

Please begin your registration with the SIGN UP button and you will automatically be issued with an Australian Sailing Number.  Or you can click through to follow this easy step by step guide to get your started CLICK HERE

Should you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our friendly Sailing Office staff via sailingacademy@ncyc.net.au or 4940 8188

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Experience Overview

This course is for participants keen to experience what keelboat sailing is about.

Course Prerequisites

Nil

Who should do this course?

This is the perfect 'taster' for anyone who wants to discover sailing for the first time. This is the perfect introduction and can be the ideal way for you to begin your sailing journey, without having to commit to a full training course.

Course Outcome

Following the course, you will receive a completion certificate.