Make 2019 the Year You Sail in a Regatta

If you’ve watched sailing regattas and yearned to join in the fun, this could be the year when your dream comes true.
There are many opportunities to join in races and competitions in the Sydney area, and one of the best ways to get on board and competing is to become a member of a local sailing club.

Many clubs organise their own racing schedules and put together teams to enter larger regattas which makes them the best place to learn about racing in general and racing different kinds and classes of boats.

Can a New Sailor Get Involved in Racing?
 
By joining a sailing club in Sydney, newbie sailors can learn the ropes of racing by taking part in low-key races. These races are often held in the evenings when the winds are light and take place in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Most sailing schools are happy to take new sailors as part of the crew and help them to improve both their sailing and racing skills. If you’re particularly keen to race in a particular type of boat, you may have to search to find a sailing club that has the boat that you’re interested in.

You may also find opportunities to become part of a crew by searching online.

The Benefits of Becoming Involved in Local Racing and Sailing Activities

Sailing is one of those sports that has no age limits, so no matter how old you are you should be able to find a suitable race, and with a variety of boats to choose from, there will be a race for every level of fitness.

Just the act of being on the water and trying to control the elements is a natural endorphin booster and spending time in the outdoors offers many health benefits from reducing stress to improving fitness.

You’ll also benefit from being among like-minded people who share a love for being on the water and become part of a tradition that dates back for hundreds of years.

What Equipment and Gear is Needed?

The list of equipment and gear needed to race in the Sydney area is likely to be less than that needed if you plan to race in areas which experience bad weather and sailing conditions.

However, you’ll probably feel better equipped if you have sailing shoes, sailing gloves, a hat, sunglasses and most importantly, sunblock at hand.
Take the First Steps Today

Don’t put off your dreams any longer. Seek out the sailing club that offers the kind of races you wish to participate in and start the ball rolling and who knows, you could be racing in your first regatta in 2019.

So You Want to Learn to Sail in Sydney?

You’ve made the decision that 2019 is going to be the year that you learn to sail and so you’ve decided to look for a sailing school in Sydney that will not only provide you with excellent tuition, but that will give you the opportunity to get an international sailing qualification under your belt.

But when you take a look at the market, you can see that there’s a multitude of schools and so many courses to choose from that you’re a little confused about your best option.

So if you’re planning to learn to sail in Sydney in 2019, here are some of the courses that you may want to consider.

Beginner’s Sailing Courses in Sydney

There are many sailing courses Sydney wide that are especially aimed at those who have little or no prior sailing experience. You’ll find sailing schools offering lessons in Sydney Harbour and in the surrounding areas such as Pittwater.

When looking for a suitable school, you may want to consider one that’s partnered with International Yacht Training Worldwide. It’s the world’s leading training organisation for big boat recreational sailing, so your qualification is going to take you a long way.

You’ll find lessons for beginners combined with courses to qualify you for keelboat crew where you’ll spend your time learning to master the ropes. Look for a school that give you a high percentage of time on the water rather than one that makes you do most of your learning in a classroom.

If you’re unsure about the level of course you need, many sailing schools offer an ‘on water’ assessment, so the instructors can assess your current sailing expertise and recommend an appropriate course.

An assessment of this type will also give you the chance to see whether you like their teaching methods and decide whether it will be the right school for you.

More than Just Sailing Lessons

Ideally, your sailing school should offer flexibility around course timings so that they fit in with your existing commitments. Many schools also encourage you to join their sailing club so that you can get in some extra practice and test out what you’ve learned and maybe even join in a race or two.

Once You’ve Learned to Sail

Once you’ve got the basics under your belt and you’ve been bitten by the sailing bug, it’s likely that you’re going to want to improve your skills and knowledge.

Many schools offer more advanced sailing lessons in Sydney, such as International Crew, International Bareboat Skipper and the ultimate accolade of International Certificate of Competence to give you the qualifications you need to charter and sail not only in Australia but worldwide.

So what are you waiting for? Make 2019 the year you get yourself some sailing qualifications.

What to Take on Your Bareboat Charter in Sydney

So you’re planning to book a bareboat charter in Sydney? Since you already know how to sail, getting on the water will be easy. The main challenge is going to be making a decision about what to take with you.

Bareboat charters are more carefree if you travel light, but inevitably you take too much stuff – just in case. Let’s take a look at what we think you can’t leave the harbour without.

Congenial Travelling Companions

Anyone who’s been out at sea on a yacht will know that you need the company of like-minded companions to give you at least a fighting chance of a harmonious voyage. We would always advise that you discuss key issues before you make your booking.

You’ll need to reach agreement on whether you’re prepared to pay for a boat with private head and cabin for each party, and whether you plan to cook on the boat or you’d prefer to eat out in the evening. If you’re booking a yacht charter in Pittwater, you might like the option of anchoring up at the numerous bays along the coastline.

You’ll also need to come up with an itinerary unless you’re happy to just see where the wind takes you. But determining what time you want to start out and where you want to sail will go a long way to ensuring that you’ll still be friends when it’s time to hand the boat back.

Simple Garb

Keeping your boat tidy is a discipline most sailors adopt early in their sailing career. Collapsible soft-sided bags make more sense that hard-sided luggage. Add a couple of bathers, a few pairs of shorts, t-shirts, some boat shoes and sandals and don’t forget your sunhat.

You’ll find life in Pittwater as laid back as it comes; the locals are friendly, and they’re often happy to share a couple of tinnies with you.

Useful Gear

Over time, you’ll find your own ‘useful items’ that you can’t live without while on board. Some people like to take walkie-talkie radios to keep in communication while anchoring and mooring.

Others like to take a small coloured bulb or light to hang in the cockpit when you leave the boat in the evening to make it easier to find your berth when you return.

Odds and Ends

You’ll be glad that you thought to pack things such as painkillers, cold remedies, anti-histamines and other over the counter medicines – and don’t forget any prescribed medication that you may be taking.

Small luxuries such as your favourite music, reading material, soap and hand sanitizer liquid will go down well too. And don’t leave home without your sunnies and your sunscreen!

Planning is Key

Planning for your upcoming bareboat charter is vital to ensure that you have a great sailing holiday in Pittwater. A few hours of preparation can make all the difference between a relaxing voyage and an experience you may not want to repeat.