Dinghy Sailing Intermediate - Start Racing / Spinnakers.

Racing sailing dinghies is fabulous fun and it's a great way to develop your sailing skills as well as your fitness. This course provides an introduction to dinghy racing and spinnaker handling. After the course, you will be ready to join a club and start racing!

Description

Enhance your basic sailing skills, develop new abilities, and enjoy a fun-filled training experience.

You will practise your sailing and racing skills in our single-handers and then go on to develop racing and spinnaker-handling skills in our double-handers.

Dinghy racing is not only lots of fun, but it's one of the best ways to sharpen your sailing skills all around.

Course program

Day 1 – RYA Dinghy Start Racing

AM (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

  • Course briefing and introductions
  • Theory: Recap, personal sailing gear, sun protection, seven common senses, and points of sailing
  • Rigging and sailing off the beach
  • Coursework: Follow my leader and practise the five essentials

PM (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

  • Upwind and downwind races and sailing exercises
  • Triangular course races

Day 2 – RYA Dinghy Start Racing

AM (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

  • Theory: Recap, sail trim, and rules of the road
  • On-water coaching exercises

PM (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

  • Race practice: Upwind and downwind
  • Practice starts

Day 3 – RYA Dinghy Spinnaker Handling

AM (10:00 am – 1:00 pm)

  • Land drill: Rigging the spinnaker, hoisting, trimming, gybing, and dropping
  • On-water practice: Spinnaker handling, upwind and downwind

PM (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

  • Spinnaker handling races: Upwind and downwind

Day 4 – RYA Dinghy Spinnaker Handling

  • Dinghy regatta

Sailing location

This course takes place in a spectacular setting at Middle Harbour Yacht Club on Sydney Harbour.

The weather is generally warm, sunny, and breezy. The sailing area is extensive, with many stunning beaches just a short sail away.

Equipment and instructors

  • Dinghies: Sail on our fleet of RS Zest single-handers and Laser Bahias—two-person dinghies equipped with trapeze and asymmetric spinnakers.
  • Instructors: Our qualified, friendly, and experienced professionals ensure a supportive and engaging learning experience.

Book a private course. 

Why not bring your own group of family and friends? Organise a private course with five or more participants and enjoy a 20% discount!

We’ll work with you to find a date that suits your group.

Click the "Enquiry" button at the top of the page to start planning your adventure!

Before you start

  • This course is suitable for basic sailors who have completed our level 1 and 2, learn to sail course, or who have equivalent experience.
  • Suitable for ages 12 and upwards
  • You should be able to swim 50 m.

What's included

  • Training, equipment, safety cover.
  • Lots of fun!
  • BYO - packed lunch. 

Qualifications 

  • RYA Start Racing 
  • RYA Spinnaker Handling 

What next?

  • Ask about our dinghy hire and race coaching classes. 
  • Or why not start yachting or windsurfing!

Faq

  • Booking information
    • We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment, as places are limited.
    • View our Terms and Conditions.
  • How fit do I need to be?
    • You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and agility to move around the boat, demonstrate skills repeatedly, and recover from the water after a capsize.
    • While we provide Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), you should be able to swim at least 50 metres unaided in open water.
    • A positive attitude and a willingness to learn are just as important as physical ability.
    • If you’re unsure whether this course is suitable for you, please contact us to discuss your sailing experience and fitness level.
  • What happens if the weather is bad?
    • The course runs in a variety of wind and weather conditions to help you gain experience and confidence.
    • In the unlikely event of extreme weather where it’s unsafe to sail, theory sessions, shore-based seamanship skills, and classroom modules will be delivered instead.
  • What should I bring with me?
    • Wetsuit or sailing gear appropriate for the season
    • Rash vest, swimwear, and quick-dry clothing
    • Non-slip footwear such as dinghy boots or old trainers
    • Hat, sunglasses with a strap, and high-factor sunscreen
    • A towel and a warm change of clothes for after sessions
    • Water bottle and lunch/snacks for the day
    • A positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to develop your skills!

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