Sailing, Power Boat and Radio Training

Keelboat Training at the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club

The GRYC provides the Australian Sailing National Keelboat Program.

It provides a fun and accessible entry into keelboat sailing and gives participants further opportunity to learn, improve, and develop sailing skills and techniques.

The courses will equip you with the essentials required to safely sail a small yacht without the fear of capsizing or getting wet! As your skills progress, you will also develop an understanding of each person's role and how teamwork plays a major part of being an effective crew.

You should come away with the knowledge and confidence to sail a small yacht competently and for those that wish, you can progress to larger yachts or participate as crew on a racing yacht.

Discover Sailing Experience

A Discover Sailing Experience is an approximate three-hour sailing experience at our accredited Discover Sailing Centre, without the technical detail of a course, for families, friends, or work colleagues. Having the chance to use the Centre’s social facilities is as much a part of the experience as is getting out on the water. 

Keelboat Courses

There are three different steps of the keelboat program on the Sailing Pathway.

  • Step 1 involves 24 hours of tuition and covers both theory and practical. A strong emphasis on the practical.
  • The Step 1 course is conducted over 4 days, each of 6 hours.
  • Step 2 and 3 courses involve 12 hours each of tuition, each over 2 days

Step 1

Start Crewing Course

The first step on the Keelboat pathway introduces you to the basics of sailing on a small boat, including boat handling, safety and sailing theory.

Start Helming Course

This course develops both your theory and practical skills to confidently take control on the helm.

Step 2

Start Skippering Course

You will now advance your sailing skills and safety knowledge to enable you to skipper unsupervised in sheltered waters.

Step 3

Spinnaker Course

This course introduces you to the fun and challenge of using asymmetrical and symmetrical spinnakers.

Start Racing Course

You will now learn the basic racing rules, skills and tactics and gain an understanding of what is expected of a racing crew on a small boat.

 

Course information

Discover Sailing

Experience Overview:  This course is for participants keen to experience what keelboat sailing is about.

Course Prerequisites:  Nil

Who should do this course?  This is the perfect 'taster' for anyone who wants to discover sailing for the first time. This is the perfect introduction and can be the ideal way for you to begin your sailing journey, without having to commit to a full training course.

Course Outcome:  Following the course, you will receive a completion certificate.

A Discover Sailing Experience is great place to start. This is the perfect 'taster' for anyone who wants to discover sailing for the first time. This is the perfect introduction and can be the ideal way for you to begin your sailing journey, without having to commit to a full training course.

What is a Discover Sailing Experience?  A Discover Sailing Experience is an approximate three-hour sailing experience at our accredited Discover Sailing Centre, without the technical detail of a course, for families, friends, or work colleagues. Having the chance to use the Centre’s social facilities is as much a part of the experience as is getting out on the water.

Further information/bookings:    training@gryc.com.au    Phone: (08) 8555 2617                        

Start Crewing and Start Helming

Recommended length:  24 hours

Minimum age:  15

Maximum age:  65                                                                                                                               

Course Overview:  The first step on the Keelboat pathway introduces you to the basics of sailing on a small keelboat, including boat handling, safety and sailing theory. In the combined course, you will also experience and develop the theory and practical skills to confidently take control on the helm.

Course Prerequisites:  Water confident

Fitness Level:  Moderate

Who should do this course?  This course is designed for participants who wish to begin sailing in a keelboat. Learn the basics of crewing and helming, whilst staying relatively dry! All the equipment and gear will be provided by our accredited Discover Sailing Centre.

Course Outcome:  You will gain your Start Crewing and Start Helming completion certificate.

Further information/bookings:    training@gryc.com.au     Phone: (08) 8555 2617


Training for Race Officials and Support Boat Crews

The GRYC offers training courses for persons aspiring to become Race Officers. Courses are also available for persons wishing to volunteer on the club's support boats - these courses will develop and improve your power boat handling skills and train you in the correct methods for rendering assistance to a yacht.


VHF Radio - Short Range Radio Operator Course

Australia's Radiocommunications Act requires persons intending to operate a marine VHF radio to be licenced. The Office of Maritime Communications at the Australian Maritime College is responsible for the management of all functions associated with marine radio examinations and certification services in Australia.

The Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club offers accredited one day courses for those wishing to obtain a marine VHF licence (the Short Range Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency). The course is held at the GRYC clubrooms. The course cost includes a handbook and an exam set by the Office of Marine Communications. Successful completion of the exam allows the participant to receive their Short Range Radio Operator Certificate of Proficiency.

Viewing access to the Short Range Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency Handbook is available from the Office of Maritime Communications website using the link below:

Marine VHF Radio Operators Handbook