Beginner Weekend Crewing & Helming Course
Step aboard, take the helm, and discover the freedom of sailing in the Mandurah area…
Beginner Weekend
Crewing & Helming Course
Mandurah
Learn to Sail in a Fun and Supportive Environment in beautiful Mandurah.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to sail but weren’t sure where to start? Our Beginner Weekend Crewing & Helming Course is the perfect introduction to the exciting world of sailing.
Designed for complete beginners and those with limited sailing experience, this hands-on course teaches the essential skills required to become a competent crew member and take your first steps at the helm. Over two enjoyable days on the water, you’ll gain practical experience aboard a yacht while learning from experienced sailing instructors.
Whether your goal is to participate in club racing, enjoy social sailing, crew on offshore passages, or eventually skipper your own yacht, this course provides a solid foundation for your sailing journey.
Train with an industry-leading instructor certified to the highest Nauticed level and accredited with Australian Sailing as a Keelboat Instructor and Coach.
Professional expertise, practical experience, and passion for sailing ensure a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding learning experience.
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Small class sizes with a maximum of 5 students per course, ensuring personalised instruction and plenty of hands-on time at the helm.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the weekend, you’ll be actively involved in sailing a yacht and will learn:
Crewing Skills
- Understanding the parts of a yacht and their functions
- Essential sailing terminology
- Personal safety and lifejacket use
- Rope handling and basic knots
- Winch operation
- Sail handling and trimming
- Crew communication and teamwork
- Yacht preparation and departure procedures
Helming Skills
- Steering a yacht under sail
- Maintaining a steady course
- Understanding points of sail
- Tacking and gybing
- Boat balance and sail trim awareness
- Basic navigation and situational awareness
- Approaching and leaving moorings
- Confidence at the helm in varying conditions
Sailing Knowledge
- Understanding wind direction and its effects
- Basic rules of the water
- Introduction to weather and sea conditions
- Safety procedures and emergency awareness
- Good seamanship practices
Course Format
This practical course is conducted over a full weekend, with most of the learning taking place on the water. Participants rotate through various crew positions and spend time helming the yacht, ensuring everyone gains hands-on experience.
Our instructors create a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere where questions are welcomed, and learning is enjoyable. No prior sailing experience is required.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
- Complete beginners
- People considering taking up sailing as a hobby
- Prospective yacht crew members
- Future yacht owners
- Club racing newcomers
- Adventure seekers wanting to learn a new skill
- Anyone looking to gain confidence on the water
Course Outcomes
By the end of the weekend, you’ll have:
- A solid understanding of basic sailing principles
- Practical crewing experience
- Confidence steering a yacht under sail
- Improved awareness of sailing safety and seamanship
- The knowledge needed to participate as an active crew member
- A clear pathway for further sailing development
What’s Included
- Professional sailing instruction
- Use of the training yacht and equipment
- Safety equipment
- Practical on-water training
- Course notes and learning resources
- Supportive learning environment
- Free online course
- Free online sailing logbook
What To Bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather
- Non-marking, enclosed footwear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Light waterproof jacket
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
Take the Helm and Start Your Sailing Adventure
There’s no better way to discover the thrill of sailing than by getting out on the water and learning by doing. Join our Beginner Weekend Crewing & Helming Course and gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge to become an active member of any sailing crew.
- No experience required – just bring your sense of adventure.
- Course days are subject to weather conditions. If the weather is not suitable, an alternative day will be scheduled at no cost.