Level 1

Learn to Sail

RNZYS Learn to Sail Courses are Yachting New Zealand [internationally recognised] Level 1 sailing courses. They has been set up for complete beginners who do not necessarily know one end of the boat from the other but have slight interest in either the water and water activities to simply learning a new skill to doing something out of their comfort zone.

This is the first place to start your sailing goals.

During your Level 1 learn to sail course you will gain an understanding of safety on the water, basic navigation, boat maintenance and of course sailing skills;

  • Sailing manoeuvres [tacks and gybes]
  • Trimming sails
  • Points of sail
  • Rigging and de-rigging a yacht
  • Seamanship

On the first day of your course, you will receive complimentary three-month membership to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. You’ll be able to use the facilities and get a full taste of what being an active sailing member of the RNZYS is like!

On graduation you’ll receive a Yachting New Zealand Level 1 certificate.

The Sailing Office will provide help with the next stage of your journey: crew placement, join a Level 2 – Cruising, or Level 2 Race Crew Training course. You can even get involved volunteering in race management.

The Level 1 Sailing Course is completed sailing the Farr MRX boats or the Elliott 7 Fleet.

They are also used for charter and corporate sailing events and by the owners for regular fleet and match racing.

The fleets have been a key element in the development of NZ’s vast talent of young sailors to national and international elite keelboat sailing culminating for many in successful America’s Cup careers.

As the boats are evenly matched and easy to sail, they provide exciting yachting for all levels of abilities from beginners to experienced yachties.

The fleets are professionally managed to ensure all users gain maximum benefits from these great yachts and berthed very close to RNZYS at Westhaven allowing easy access to the ideal sailing playground of Auckland’s Waitemata harbour.