Titahi Bay Boating Club offers Learn to Sail courses for children and young teenagers, run during the school holidays as a three-day introductory programme, followed by weekly sailing throughout summer if your child chooses to continue.
The next course is scheduled for the 5th, 6th and 7th of October 2023 (Thursday - Saturday)
The cost for the three-day programme is $150.00
This course is suitable for children between the ages of 8 and 14.
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Course Outline / Structure
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Equipment - what you (and your child) should bring
I have my own Optimist! Can I sail it?
We'd love to see nothing more than kids sailing their own Optimists - or larger boats. But when we're learning, we don't want to anyone to have to worry about bumping into nice shiny boats that will cost lots of time or money to fix! Your course entry fee covers hire of a plastic-fantastic Optimist, with which you'll be able to bump into all sorts of things (like other boats!) before worrying about moving on to something shinier.
But I don't have some of that equipment?
That's totally fine. Our friends at Te Ara Moana have provided us use of their great collection of wetsuits, life-jackets and more, so everyone will be well prepared. No extra charge.
I have my own gear, can I wear it for the course?
Absolutely. If you've got any of the above items of clothing of equipment, please bring it along. Just make sure it fits!
Where do I start?
As places are very limited, we recommend registering for our next course if you're interested.
If you're not sure if your child would be interested, we encourage you to come to our club and try having a go sailing with a coach. This is a free service, please just ask. Otherwise, we run Open Days at least once a year.
Full payment of the course fee is required prior to confirm entry into the course.
What if the weather is bad?
Our goal is to make the most of the available sailing time both on and off the water. For learning sailors, this means that strong winds or heavy rain may restrict these opportunities - or simply be no fun at all. So in the event that bad weather interrupts the course, we keep a fourth reserve day in case a strong weather system makes the harbour unsailable.
In the event of a bad forecast prior to the beginning of the course that might preclude the minimum amount of on-water sailing time, we will reschedule or cancel the course prior to it starting. Refunds will be available in this instance.
What happens after the course?
There's only so much we can teach in three days, and sailing is best learned through continued experience. Young sailors who attend the course are highly encouraged to continue attending regular sailing days in the afternoons throughout Terms 1 and 4.
We highly recommend graduates take the chance to participate in Optisail in late January. Optisail is a three-day sailing camp held at our club, which provides an opportunity for your child to form friendships with other learn-to-sail graduates from across the region - as well as have a whole lot of fun!
Fees are payable in advance to TBBC.Your place is not confirmed until the registration information has been received and the fees have been paid.Course spots are limited, and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis of registration and payment by the required date.