Learn to Sail

Yachting New Zealand qualified coaching, in club boats, on the Waitematā.

NBYC runs Learn to Sail from the clubrooms at Birkenhead Point. Sessions are taught by Yachting New Zealand qualified coaches, and the club provides the boats and the buoyancy aids - nobody needs to own anything to start. We teach both children and adults

There are two levels. Level 1 is for complete beginners and does not require club membership, so a family can try sailing before committing to anything. Level 2 is the next step, and membership is required.

  • Level 1 - Complete Beginners

    No experience or club membership needed. We provide the boats, buoyancy aids, and safety boat support.

  • Level 2 - The next step

    For sailors who have finished Level 1 and want to keep going. Club membership is required.

What the Club Provides

  • Club Optimist boats (for kids)

  • Club Quest or Feva boats (for adults)

  • Lifejackets / buoyancy aids

  • Qualified Yachting New Zealand coaches

  • Safety boat cover

What to Bring

  • Wetsuit

  • Windbreaker jacket

  • Sun hat & sunscreen

  • Water proof shoes

  • Towel & full change of warm clothes

A Typical Session

Arrival and check-in at the clubrooms, followed by briefing, changing, rigging the boats, on-water instruction, de-rigging, and pack-up.

Wetsuits, ages, what happens if it is blowing?

Learn to Sail FAQs →

Ready to get on the water?

Enrolment is online and takes about five minutes.

Enrol in Learn to Sail

Sailed with us before? Re-enrol here