Learn to sail in a classic boat on Sydney Harbour, with the Balmain Sailing Club Sailing School.
This is your opportunity to enter the unique world of sailing, which can be as exciting and high-pressured – or as relaxed and laid-back – as you want to make it.
Once you have learned the ropes of sailing, you have an extraordinarily wide range of options open to you, from racing on a high-speed sportsboat or skiff, to relaxed lunches in the harbour, to cruising up and down our beautiful coast – or anything in between.
The BSC Sailing School is conducted from the premises of the Balmain Sailing Club, at the bottom of Water Street Balmain, offering a full mix of theory and practice over four weekly three-hour lessons.
We cater for all levels of ability, from absolute beginners to full-on race skippers and crews.
We offer special rates for couples and families, and all sailing school participants receive free membership of Balmain Sailing Club – a friendly and welcoming club where you will quickly feel at home, and also get numerous opportunities to race and cruise on members’ boats.
Discounts for the school apply for existing BSC members.
Boats used
Balmain is a traditional part of Sydney that has long been associated with boatbuilding and sailing. In keeping with this maritime tradition, we use classic boats to teach our students.
Our main sailing school boat is Intrepid, a 14 foot timber dinghy built in 1979 by the late Nick Masterman. She is gaff-rigged for stability and ease of handling, and meets all the AYF safety standards. Intrepid’s clinker construction and varnished cedar brightwork draw many admiring glances from the harbour.
We recommend that beginners start with a dinghy course. The techniques and skills learned in a dinghy are easily transferred to a larger yacht (although the reverse is not necessarily the case).
BSC activities
The BSC Sailing School has a close association with the Balmain Sailing Club, the aims of which are to promote sailing in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere; engage with the local community and encourage friendship among members.
Yacht races at the club are usually followed by drinks and food at the Clubhouse, on Sunday afternoons and our summer Friday twilights.
New crew members are ALWAYS welcome, and sailing school participants are encouraged to participate in our racing activities on members’ boats.
Syllabus
Our courses cover:
Rowing a dinghy • Rigging • Going about • Gybing • Reefing • Sailing techniques • Sail setting • Rules of the road • Safety procedures • Parts of a boat • Ropework • Anchoring and mooring • Heaving-to • Winds and tides • Elementary first aid • Basic meteorology
What to bring
Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, drink, soggy soft shoes, shorts, sailing jacket (or similar). Buoyancy vests will be supplied.
Water safety awareness is an integral part of the syllabus. Sailing will not normally be conducted in winds of 20 knots or more, but classes will still be held on the water. Rain will be ignored (you’re a sailor now!). Shoes must be worn on the club’s timber deck.
Prices
Course fees include current-year Balmain Sailing Club membership (discounts apply for existing members).
12-hour dinghy sailing courses: four 3-hour lessons, all levels: $360 per person, or $700 for two (or ask about our family rates).
As well as Introduction to Sailing classes, we offer Intermediate and Refresher courses. Once you've completed your basic training, and come along on a couple of Friday twilight or Sunday races, you may be interested in our proposed Introduction to Racing course.
Book now!
Demand for our first courses has been high, so it is essential to book now to secure a place. Please fill out this form to indicate your interest and level of experience.
Further information:
Balmain Sailing Club Sailing School,
Water Street, Balmain.
Ph 0488 959 659
Email sailingschool@balmainsailingclub.com