Australian Sailing Keelboat: Start Crewing

Start Crewing is the first course on Australian Sailing's keelboat pathway. It suits adults who want to learn to sail on a bigger, steadier boat rather than a dinghy. You'll learn the basics of boat handling, safety and sailing theory as part of a crew, and you'll stay relatively dry. Accredited centres supply the boat and the gear.

Who it suits

• Adults (minimum age 16) with no sailing experience
• People who've enjoyed a Discover Sailing Experience or a twilight race and want proper skills
• Anyone who would like to crew on club racing boats, social sails or friends' yachts
• Future skippers, since every good skipper started as a useful crew member

The only prerequisite is that you are water confident.

What you'll actually do

The recommended length is about 12 hours, often run over a weekend or a few sessions. You'll sail with a small group and an instructor on board, taking turns at each job. You'll handle the sheets and winches, help hoist and drop the sails, and get a feel for the helm. Short briefings cover safety gear, terminology and how the wind drives the boat. Because a keelboat has a weighted keel, it won't capsize like a dinghy, so you can concentrate on learning.

Key ideas explained

• Why a keelboat heels but doesn't tip over: the heavy keel low down acts as a counterweight. As the boat leans, the keel's leverage increases and pushes it back upright. Heeling is normal, and easing the sails reduces it.
• Winch technique: wrap the sheet clockwise around the winch (usually three turns), tail it with one hand and grind with the other. Keep your fingers clear of the drum, and ease a loaded sheet slowly with your palm on the wraps.
• Tacking as a crew: the helm calls "ready about", the crew prepares and replies "ready", and the helm calls "tacking". The crew releases the old headsail sheet as the bow passes through the wind and trims the new one on the other side. Clear calls stop confusion.
• Points of sail and trim: how you set the sails depends on the wind angle. Use the telltales (small ribbons on the sails) to trim: when both sides stream back smoothly, the sail is set well.
• Safety on deck: "one hand for yourself, one for the boat". Watch out for the boom, keep ropes coiled, know where the lifejackets, fire extinguisher and first aid kit are, and know what to do if someone falls overboard: shout, point and keep watching them.

Where it fits

Start Crewing covers ground that is broadly comparable to entry-level crew courses such as RYA Start Yachting or the early part of RYA Competent Crew and IYT International Crew. It is shorter, is not an overnight liveaboard course, and is not an official equivalent to any of them.

Getting ready

• Wear layers you can add or remove, a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunglasses on a strap and soft-soled, non-marking shoes.
• Bring sunscreen, water and snacks. Sailing gloves protect your hands on the ropes.
• If you get seasick, take your preferred remedy before you leave the dock (ask a pharmacist). Keep your eyes on the horizon and stay busy on deck.
• Learn a few knots and the basic terms (bow, stern, port, starboard) beforehand, so the briefings make more sense.
• Ask the centre what boat you'll sail, how many people will be on board and how the sessions are scheduled.

Good to know in Australia

Many Australian clubs welcome new crew for twilight and social racing. It's a great way to practise after the course. A course certificate is not a state boat licence. If you later skipper a boat with an engine, check your state's maritime authority for licensing requirements.