Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome aboard and to the wonderful world of sailing
RYA 5 Day/4 Night Practical Courses
What boats do you teach on?
These courses are taught on either a 38′ Monohull or on 1170 or 1260 Seawind Catamarans.
How many students will be on my course?
We take a maximum of 5 students per boat on 5 day/4 night practical sailing courses All of our boats are capable of taking more than these numbers so there will be plenty of room for everyone onboard.
What time does my course start and finish?
RYA 5 day/4 night practical start at 1000 on the first morning and finish at approximately 1500 on the fifth day.
What is included in my course fee?
All 5 day/4 night practical sailing courses are fully inclusive of accommodation onboard and all meals onboard except for one ashore at a local Yacht Club.
What should I bring?
You need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, your wash kit and a towel. We strongly recommend sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, sailing gloves and wet weather gear.
- Warmer months – Long sleeved shirt or t-shirt if preferred, shorts or long pants.
- Cooler months – It is better to layer in the cooler months than wear bulky outer wear. Base layer (ie thermal underwear), mid layer (warm shirt or skivvy), fleece jacket. It can be warm, so add a lightweight shirt just in case.
Soft holdalls/bags only please (ie dedicated sailing bags). You will not be able to take hard sided bags on the boat, and there is limited storage at our office.
Do I have to sleep onboard during my 5 day/4 night practical course?
Yes. For all 5 day practical courses you will sleep onboard the yacht.
Will I have to share a cabin?
It may be necessary for you to share a cabin (unless you book a single supplement). Couples and friends will normally share. If you are coming on a course on your own there is a possibility you will have to share a cabin but this would only be with someone of the same sex.
What are the food arrangements ?
We supply ample high quality groceries for your 5 day practical. This includes a variety of proteins, fruit, vegetables, salad and snacks. Tea, coffee, juice and water is also provided.
These supplies cover breakfast, lunch and dinner. You do not need to bring any additional supplies, however you are welcome to bring your own snacks and/or drinks.
You and the other crew prepare meals and clean up afterwards.
We do not cater for dietary requirements, however vegetarians have plenty of options.
One dinner is taken ashore at a local Yacht Club, and this is at your own expense.
Who does the cooking onboard?
Part of learning to sail is learning how to live aboard a yacht. All chores, including cooking, are shared equally between all students and the Instructor. Meals are prepared from the ingredients provided and cooked using the stove top burners or oven.
Where will I go on my 5 day/4 night practical course?
Monohull courses start and finish in Pittwater. You will sail in Pittwater and do a return passage to Sydney Harbour, including a night entrance.
Catamaran courses start and finish from our base at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. You will sail in Sydney Harbour and will do a return passage to Pittwater, including a night entrance.
Specific locations are not available prior to commencement of the course, as part of the assessment includes passage planning and the destination and anchorage are dependent on the weather.
Will we be in a Marina every night?
We will spend one night at a marina at a local Yacht which will have shower and toilet facilities as well as a restaurant.
In order to explore some of the more beautiful locations and to get the most out of the sail training you will also spend a night or two on a mooring buoy or a secluded anchorage.
Do I need Insurance?
When you register with the school we register you with Australian Sailing. You are covered for the duration of the course and three months afterwards.
The school carries full public liability insurance for its students, however personal travel / cancellation / accident insurance is strongly recommended.
Link to AS Insurance Document
Do I have a choice of Instructors?
We try to use two Instructors over the 5 day period to provide you with a better learning experience. We cannot guarantee in advance which Instructor will be scheduled for the course.
Can I bring my mobile phone/laptop?
You can indeed bring your mobile phone but we discourage laptops.
During teaching times we ask that phones are turned off to avoid distraction unless of course you are expecting an urgent call. Mobile phone coverage is good in Sydney Harbour but depending where you are in Pittwater you may have zero reception. In an emergency the yacht can also be contacted by radio.
Is there parking available?
On-street parking in Rushcutters Bay is available but directly around the School it is limited to 2 hours. Longer term parking can be found on Bennett Avenue, Darling Point Road and Marathon Avenue.
We recommend you use public transport for lessons/courses departing from the CYCA.
Public parking is available (fee based) a short walk from Gibsons Marina for 5 day practical courses on a Monohull.
Will I be able to plug in my appliances such as mobile phone, cpap etc?
All of our yachts have either 12 volt sockets or standard 3 pin plug sockets. You are more than welcome to use these sockets when you are in a marina and the boat is connected to shore power.
Do you take under 18's on courses?
We do allow under 18’s on courses when accompanied by a parent / guardian over the age of 18.
Keelboat Courses
What beginner courses do you offer?
The Australian Sailing Start Crewing and Competent Crew Course and RYA Competent Crew Course do not require any previous experience and are perfect for the beginner
What boats do you teach on?
We teach Keelboat lessons every day on International J/24 yachts. These are 24′ long (7.32m) and comfortably accommodate four students and an Instructor.
Where do lessons take place?
J/24 Keelboat lessons take place on Sydney Harbour. Lessons are conducted in the vicinity of Rushcutters Bay.
What time does my sailing course start and finish
- Competent Crew, Start Crewing/Helming – 0900-1200 and 1230-1530
- Start Skippering and Spinnaker – 0930-1230 and 1300-1600
How many students will be on my keelboat course?
We take a maximum of 4 students per boat on our 3 hour practical sailing courses.
What should I bring for a Harbour Lesson?
We recommend you dress for the weather in casual gear. Shorts, leggins and t-shirt or long sleeve top are appropriate. A lightweight jacket is also advisable.
Wear soft-soled rubber shoes (eg Dunlop Volleys), no black or leather soled shoes, shoes with open toes, or high heels are permitted.
Bring a cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle.
We recommend that you do not wear loose jewellery (ie necklaces), large ear-rings or rings or good watches on board.
Can I bring my mobile phone?
You can bring your mobile phone but we accept no responsibility for phones lost overboard or damaged by water.
During teaching times we ask that phones are turned off to avoid distraction unless of course you are expecting an urgent call. In an emergency the yacht can also be contacted by radio.
Do I have a choice of Instructors?
It is our policy to swap Instructors to provide you with a better learning experience. We cannot guarantee in advance which Instructor will be taking your lesson.
If you wish to have a specific Instructor, you will need to book a Private Lesson which are only available mid-week.
Do you provide lunch?
If you are doing two lessons in one day (ie 9am and 12.30pm) we recommend you bring your lunch. Alternatively, you can buy a sandwich at either the CYCA or Dalbora’ Marina Cafe.
There is a 30 minute break between lessons.
Do I need Insurance?
When you register with the school we register you with Australian Sailing. You are covered for the duration of the course and three months afterwards.
The school carries full public liability insurance for its students, however personal travel / cancellation / accident insurance is strongly recommended.
Link to AS Insurance Document
Is there parking available?
On-street parking in Rushcutters Bay is available but directly around the School it is limited to 2 hours. Longer term parking can be found on Bennett Avenue, Darling Point Road and Marathon Avenue.
We recommend you use public transport for lessons/courses departing from the CYCA.
Do you take under 18's on courses?
We do allow under 18’s on courses when accompanied by a parent / guardian over the age of 18. Under 16’s are permitted on courses when part of a group booking with at least one person over the age of 18.
All our Instructors have a Working With Children Check.
Safety Courses
What safety courses do you offer?
We offer:
- Safety & Sea Survival
- Marine Radio
- Marine First Aid
What is the format of these courses?
Courses are a mix of eLearning and Practical Drills.
What should I bring for my SSSC Pool Session?
You must complete the pool session in full wet weather gear, ie Coastal or Offshore rated. Spray jacket and pants or wetsuit is not acceptable.
Sea boots are not required, regular sandshoes or sailing shoes are fine.
Bring a change of clothes, towel, etc as there are showers available after the session.
What time does my safety course start and finish?
SSSC Flares Drills commence at 1530 and run for approximately 15 minutes. The Pool Drills commence at approximately 1600 and finish by 1930.
Do I need Insurance?
When you register with the school we register you with Australian Sailing. You are covered for the duration of the course and three months afterwards.
The school carries full public liability insurance for its students, however personal travel / cancellation / accident insurance is strongly recommended.
Link to AS Insurance Document
Is there parking available?
On-street parking in Rushcutters Bay is available but directly around the School it is limited to 2 hours. Longer term parking can be found on Bennett Avenue, Darling Point Road and Marathon Avenue.
We recommend you use public transport for lessons/courses departing from the CYCA.
Public parking is available (fee based) a short walk from Gibsons Marina for 5 day practical courses on a Monohull.
Do you take under 18's on courses?
We do allow under 18’s on courses when accompanied by a parent / guardian over the age of 18. Under 16’s are permitted on courses when part of a group booking with at least one person over the age of 18.
Virtual and Online Courses
Can I upgrade from Theory Only to Virtual and Theory
Yes. Call our office and we will arrange this for Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Courses.
We suggest you check out our calendar for the next Virtual dates applicable to your course.
How do I login to my Online Course?
After we have received your payment, you will be sent login details from our Partner Above and Beyond Boating.
Registration can take up to 24 hours and please check your junk mail
Where do I find the login details for the Virtual Sessions
Login details are contained in the Joining Instructions.
Online bookings receive Joining Instructions and Booking Conditions as links in their confirmation email.
Joining Instructions will also be sent out approximately 7 days prior to your course.
What time does my virtual session start and finish?
Virtual sessions start promptly at 1800 and finish at 2100.
Please ensure you are logged in at least 10 minutes prior to the start time as we do not want you to hold up other participants.
Do we get a break during the session?
Yes. There is a 30 minute dinner break at 1900 and then a 5-10 minute break at 2000
Who is my Instructor for Virtual Sessions?
We have four Instructors available for Virtual Sessions, each with their own area of expertise. We generally use two Instructors during the 6 or 8 scheduled sessions to provide the best learning opportunity.
What happens if I miss a session?
Let us know if you if you are going to miss a session and we will ask the other participant’s permission to record the session.
How often do you run Virtual Sessions
We run both Day Skipper Theory and Coastal Skipper Theory Virtual sessions throughout the year. Check out our Calendar to see when the next session is scheduled.