adult LEARN TO SAIL

The New Plymouth Yacht Club provides lessons for adults who wish to own or crew on a yacht and sail with the club in our regular racing during the season which runs from October through to April. The lessons provided are aimed at teaching the basics of sailing centreboard yachts.

Learn to sail with NPYC

Whether you've never sailed before or have a little experience and want to build your confidence, our Adult Learn to Sail programme is a practical introduction to centreboard sailing.

Run during the first half of the sailing season, the programme combines classroom learning, practical boat preparation and coached time on the water.

No previous sailing experience is required, but you must be able to swim confidently.

Man sailing a Laser dinghy numbered 116083 on open water.

Adults learning to sail on a white dinghy sailboat.

What does it cost?

Course fee: $150 + full New Plymouth Yacht Club membership

Full club membership is required to take part in the programme. Senior membership is approximately $270, with Family membership also available.

You'll also need your own wetsuit, hat, booties and waterproof jacket. Sunglasses with a retainer cord are recommended.

Course fees are non-refundable once on-water coaching has started, except in extenuating circumstances.

What's included?

The programme combines theory, practical preparation and plenty of time on the water.

Your course includes:

Introduction to Sailing Handbook
Two evening classroom sessions
Two practical boat rigging sessions
Six coached on-water sessions
Instructional videos and knot-tying resources
Experienced sailing coaches
Use of rescue boats and buoyancy aids
Access to club yachts for the remainder of the season, subject to competence and conditions
Opportunities to get involved with club racing and race management

Adults in life jackets learning to sail on a boat.

Adults in life jackets practicing sailing on a small boat

What will you learn?

By the end of the programme, you'll have the skills and confidence to get out on the water and start sailing independently.

You'll learn:

Sailing basics and terminology
How to rig and prepare a yacht
Essential sailing and boat-handling skills
How to sail safely in light conditions
The basics of club sailing and racing
You'll start sailing with a coach before progressing towards sailing independently as your confidence and skills develop.

What happens next?

By the end of the programme, you should have the confidence and skills to sail independently in light winds.

As an NPYC member, you can continue developing your skills through club sailing and racing, with access to club yachts subject to competence and conditions.

Two sailboats racing on the water during adult learn to sail lessons.

Ready to give sailing a go?

Places in the Adult Learn to Sail programme are limited.

Contact John Pitman
027 669 3991