Discover Dinghy Sailing!
Dinghies courses are tailored for both teenagers and adults and involve sailing on small exhilarating boats (one, two or three crew vessels). Dinghies represent an ideal learning platform that allows participants to be safe and in full control of all sailing aspects. In more experienced hands though dinghies become action-packed boats suitable for sailors looking for a thrilling sail! The program is only run by qualified Dinghy Instructors and Assistant Instructors at accredited Dinghy Discover Sailing Centres.
The Dinghy program offers a variety of courses based on participant sailing level. Dinghy Experience and Start Sailing Intro courses are short and flexible opportunities to enjoy and experience dinghy sailing for those ones unsure whether sailing is the right sport for them (spoiler alert, IT IS!). Start Sailing 1 and 2 and Better Sailing instead, are multiple-session courses to allow participants to learn from introductory sailing skills through to sailing autonomously in all conditions. Finally Start Racing and Better Racing courses are ideal for sailors wanting to develop their racing skills and compete in regattas.
Visit our Dinghy webpage HERE for more information.
Level |
Course |
Length |
Description |
Link |
Beginner |
Dinghy Experience |
3 hours |
This course is for participants keen to experience what dinghy sailing is about. |
|
Beginner |
Start Sailing |
3 hours |
This course is designed for participants who wish to begin sailing in a dinghy in a fun, safe and supportive environment. |
|
Beginner |
Start |
12 hours |
This course introduces participants to dinghy sailing and its fundamental skills so they learn terminology and equipment and practice launching and returning to shore and capsize recovery. |
|
Intermediate |
Start |
12 hours |
This course equips participants with boat rigging knowledge and sailing skills to sail a dinghy on their own. |
|
Intermediate |
Start |
20 hours |
This course combines Start Sailing 1 and 2 together. |
|
Intermediate |
Better Sailing |
12 hours |
This course focuses on sailing in stronger winds and introducing extra equipment like spinnaker and trapeze to leverage the full boat potential on the water. |
|
Advance |
Start |
12 hours |
This course is designed for participants wanting to learn the basics rules of racing and acquire introductory dinghy racing skills. |
|
Advance |
Better Racing |
12 hours |
This course teaches tactics, wind patterns and boat tuning techniques to improve performance and compete at a higher level. |
Dinghy Instructors
Australian Sailing Dinghy courses can only be delivered by Dinghy Instructors and Dinghy Assistant Instructors (supervised by Dinghy Instructors). To learn more and obtain this qualification:
- Click HERE to find more information about instructing.
- Click HERE to find a Dinghy Assistant Instructor course.
- Click HERE to find a Dinghy Instructor course.
Accredited Dinghy Centres
Australian Sailing Dinghy courses can only be delivered at accredited Dinghy Discover Sailing Centres. On average around 4,000 Dinghy participants register for a Dinghy course every year. Upon course completion, a common pathway option for dinghy participants is to join the club as members and continue sailing through club racing. Some will also become Instructors and will teach future course participants. Clubs and Centres that are interested in becoming accredited Dinghy Centres simply need to:
- Visit our Discover Sailing Centres page to understand the benefits of being a Centre and our Terms & Conditions.
- Contact our Australian Sailing regional staff that will provide in detail information and assistance throughout the accreditation process.