Learn to Sail FAQs

Learn to Sail — your questions answered
If your question is not here, email the club and we will answer it and add it to this page.

Before you enrol

We require our junior sailors to be at least 9 years old at enrolment. Younger children often lack the confidence and physical strength to sail on their own.
Yes. On your first lesson, you will be required to swim 50m with a lifejacket on and demonstrate confidence in the water.
No. Our Level 1 course is designed for complete beginners.
Not for Level 1. We waive Club membership fees for Level 1 sailors so that you can try sailing before committing to club membership. You will be required to become a club member from level 2 onwards.
Our current course fees are $395 per person for Levels 1 and 2. This covers all tuition, use of club boats and a Yachting NZ Learn to Sail log book.
Club membership is also required for Level 2. Current full-year fees are $160 (junior), $230 (senior), $300 (family of 2) and $350 (family of 3 or more).
We aim to have at least 8 sessions on the water per season. Weather sometimes disrupts these plans. The lessons are held on Sunday mornings from 9am through to midday, except on public holidays.

Yes. We try to make up sessions that are cancelled.
In addition to on-water coaches, dedicated safety crews patrol the fleet. The number of safety boats deployed scales directly with fleet size to maintain safe supervisory ratios.
NBYC’s qualified coaches bring extensive racing and instruction experience. You can read their profiles on The Team page.
Most sailors thoroughly enjoy the programme, though developing confidence on the water naturally brings occasional challenges. Overcoming these hurdles and learning from mistakes is an essential part of the sport. Please note that once a course has commenced, registrations are non-refundable.
Weather permitting, we hold a fun destination sail for everyone, followed by an informal sausage sizzle and prizegiving. This is always the highlight of our season.

Wetsuit: A wetsuit is best. If you don’t have a wetsuit bring suitable clothing that can get wet. No cotton against the skin as it will make you cold. Thermals are good. It can get cold on the water even in Summer.
Wind-breaker: A light-weight parka or similar that can be worn over the top of a wetsuit and breaks the wind.
Hat: A peak cap is good, with a strap to clip it on to your life jacket or top in case it gets blown off.
Sunblock: Even on a cloudy day sunburn is a factor as well as windburn.
Shoes: that can be worn in the water. No bare feet please - there are sharp oysters on the ramp.
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Drinking water
- Snack if you think you, or your child, will need it
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before 9am. Earlier if you are helping out. We start at 9am sharp.
We operate a duty roster for each sailing session, and all parents/caregivers are included across the season. When rostered on (typically only two to three sessions per season), you will be required to remain on site to assist. Regardless, you are welcome to stay and watch from the wharf or clubrooms, or crew a support boat.
There is a cafe in the ferry terminal across the road from the clubrooms.
There is ample parking on Hinemoa Street, very close to the yacht club.

Enrolment is online and takes about five minutes.

Sailed with us before? Re-enrol here