Australian Sailing Start Sailing 1

Start Sailing 1 is the first proper course on Australian Sailing's dinghy pathway: a hands-on introduction to sailing a small boat, run at accredited centres that supply the boats and gear. You'll learn the language of sailing, get the boat on and off the water, and practise what to do when it tips over. That last part is what gives most beginners the confidence to keep going.

Who it suits

• Teenagers and adults who have never sailed, or who have only been out once or twice
• Graduates of a Discover Sailing Experience who want structured lessons
• Parents of junior sailors who would like to understand what their kids are doing on the water
• Anyone planning to move on to keelboats later who wants to learn the basics where the boat responds instantly

The only listed prerequisite is that you are water confident. Younger children usually start with Tackers 1 instead.

What you'll actually do

Australian Sailing recommends about 12 hours for the course. Centres run it in different ways: a weekend intensive, a few weekday sessions in the school holidays, or a run of weekly evening lessons. Expect short briefings on shore, then plenty of time on the water in small groups, usually with an instructor nearby in a rescue boat.

You'll learn the names of the parts of the boat and the gear, then launch from the beach or ramp and return to shore. You'll get used to steering and trimming the sails in light, sheltered conditions and do a supervised capsize so that tipping over feels routine rather than scary. Plan on getting wet.

Key ideas explained

• Windward and leeward: windward is the side the wind is coming from; leeward is the side it blows towards. Nearly every instruction on the water uses these words.
• Points of sail: how the boat is angled to the wind. You can't sail straight into the wind (the "no-go zone"). Across the wind is a reach, and with the wind behind you is a run. The sails are let out further as you turn away from the wind.
• Tacking and gybing: two ways to change direction. In a tack the bow turns through the wind. In a gybe the stern turns through the wind and the boom swings across, so you keep your head down.
• Sheets and trim: sheets are the ropes that control the sails. A useful rule is to ease the sail out until its front edge starts to flutter, then pull it in just enough to stop the flutter.
• Capsize recovery: stay with the boat, because it floats and is easier to spot than a swimmer. Keep hold of the boat, get the bow pointing roughly into the wind, then stand on the centreboard to lever it upright.

Where it fits

If you're comparing systems, Start Sailing 1 is broadly comparable to entry-level dinghy courses elsewhere. It is not an official equivalent to any overseas certificate.

Getting ready

• Wear quick-drying layers, a hat, sunglasses on a strap, and shoes that can get wet and won't slip. Avoid bare feet and cotton if it's cool.
• Bring sunscreen, water, a snack and a full change of clothes. Ask whether the centre supplies wetsuits.
• Check that the centre provides a correctly sized lifejacket and that it fits snugly.
• Tell your instructor about any medical conditions, and whether you're nervous about capsizing. They'll plan for it.
• Ask the centre how many students there are per boat and per instructor, and what happens if the wind is too strong or too light.

Good to know in Australia

A dinghy course certificate is not a boat licence. If you later want to drive a powered boat, recreational licensing is handled separately by each state, so check your state's maritime authority.