Holiday itinerary
This week long yacht sailing course is ideal for those looking to get more from their holiday and gain a new skill whilst exploring the stunning Whitsunday Islands in Australia.
Take this 6 day crew yacht sailing course and advance your skills to learn how to competently handle this modern 43ft yacht whilst living aboard and enjoying the sailing experience.
Enjoy the thrill of overnight anchoring in secluded tropical island bays as your skipper prepares sumptuous meals whilst you chat over the days sailing experiences.
Go learn to sail on this hands-on course, have fun and take home a new sailing skill that will have you at the helm in no time.
Suitability
- Suitable for all
- Minimum age 18
Course Start Dates and Schedule
- Sailing courses run every Monday
- Courses run for 6 days, 5 nights
- You will meet at the marina at 8.45am ready for when the yacht sails at 9.00am in the morning and returns at 4.00pm
Sailing Itinerary
- The crew will show you all the best sights of the Whitsunday’s based on guests interests, tide and weather conditions
- Some of the attractions and activities that may be included are:
• snorkelling fringing coral reefs
• beautiful island beaches such as Whitehaven Beach
• bush walks
• island visits
• Observations of marine life
What Will I Learn?
Essential boating information
- Rules, regulations, obligations and offences, state boating rules and regulations
- Other authorities and organisations, responsibility & authority
Planning and preparing for a safe boating trip
- Basic safety considerations, safe planning, weather and wind
- The boat, safety equipment compliance, the skipper, factors affecting skipper’s performance, guests on board, personal basic safety and survival strategies
- The craft, keel types and design features, materials, maintenance, craft selection factors
- Identification / boat terminology, stowage and securing of provisions, stores and equipment and fittings
- Safety issues, personal floating devices, fire extinguishers, fire prevention
- Engines – daily routine checks
- Weather reports / forecasts, meteorological terminology, tidal information, direction indication terms
- Rope work, sails & spars
Safe operation
- Passage advice, regulations, water traffic regulations, international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, other regulations, boating offences
- Interpret forecasts and synoptic charts
- Introduction to sail handling, factors affecting handling under sail/power, maneuvers and boat handling
- Crew overboard under power / sail, points of sail, hoisting/lowering sails, sail trim
- Steering to suit conditions, navigation aids and techniques
- Charts and publications, compasses, navigation equipment, navigational techniques including chart work, pilotage, navigation markers
- Anchors and anchoring, towing and being towed
Emergencies
- How to avoid and manage them
- Dealing with an emergency on board, assisting others in distress
- Reporting boating accidents, marine radios, distress, urgency, safety calls and messages
Qualifications
- We offer this course with 2 levels of qualification and pricing options. Guests choosing the cheaper option will receive a certificate from a local sailing school, while an upgrade option is available and certification is available for International Certification with International Yachtmaster Training (IYT) which includes registering your course completion on the IYT database for recognition in the countries accepting IYT certification.
Live-aboard Accommodation
- Accommodation is included for 5 nights onboard the yacht
- There will be up to 13 students - If you are travelling independently, you’ll stay in a shared cabin
- There is a double cabins if two people are travelling together and will be allocated subject to availability
About The Boat
- With its modern fit out with all the comforts of a cruising yacht, open plan interior and 8 single bunks with 1 double this well equipped training yacht is a complete sailing yacht
- It has the latest navigation equipment, hot water and open plan living
- It is also a very fast yacht enabling you to see more of the Whitsunday's
What To Bring
- Sun hat, swimmers, towel & sunscreen
- Sneakers or deck shoes to wear onboard
- You are welcome to bring your favourite CD’s and don’t forget your camera!
Weather Conditions
- Safety is of upmost importance and in the unlikely event that weather conditions mean that sailing is unsafe, you will be offered alternative dates for the course
RYA and Yachting Australia
- There are briefings and testing required by both in order to cover local regulations and requirements
- Depending on the qualification you wish to transfer, there may also be additional requirements to be met, we recommend you check with both organisations for full details
Get more from your holiday, have fun, experience the thrill of yacht sailing and gain new skills on this holiday with a difference.