Better Sailing Feb Williamstown

Better Sailing Feb Williamstown

Date
1st Feb - 1st March See all dates
Time
8:30am-12:30pm
Age
Adult
Location
Williamstown Sailing Club

$435.00

Out of stock

Course Overview

Better Sailing builds upon the fundamentals learned in the Start Sailing course, helping participants refine their skills and develop greater confidence on the water. Guided by experienced instructors, sailors will gain the knowledge and practical experience to manage a variety of sailing conditions, enhance speed and efficiency, and respond to challenges on the water. By the end of this course, you will have the skills to sail independently in a range of conditions and take your sailing to the next level.

 

Course Outcomes

Wind Awareness

  • Identify wind direction using environmental indicators

  • Recognise gusts and lulls on the water

  • Understand lifts and knocks and how they influence upwind sailing

  • Apply strategies to sail efficiently

Boat Handling and Control

  • Correct use of primary boat controls

  • Stop the boat on the spot

  • Sail backwards under control

  • Improve teamwork and crew communication during manoeuvres

Advanced Skills

  • Understand the benefits of roll tacks and gybes

  • Execute smooth roll tacks and gybes

  • Maintain speed during tacks and gybes

Stronger Winds & Performance Sailing

  • Depower the sails using sail controls

  • Hike effectively to keep the boat flat in gusty conditions

  • Anticipate and react to wind changes

  • Maintain control and stability at higher speeds

What to Bring

Water

Hat

Snack

Towel

Wet Clothes

Spare Clothes

Shoes

If Available

Spray Jacket

Wetsuit

Water Shoes

Location

FAQ’s

Before Your Sail

Please arrive 15 minutes early on day 1 to meet the instructors, sign in and get comfortable. On subsequent days, arrive prior to the start of the program. 

On your first day, our instructors will welcome you, run through a safety briefing, and get you fitted with a lifejacket. You’ll learn the basics on shore before heading out on the water to try simple sailing skills. The sessions are step-by-step, fun, and supportive—no experience needed. By the end of the day, you’ll feel more confident and ready for the adventure ahead!

During Your Sail

Sailing continues in light rain or fresh breezes, but safety comes first. We switch to engaging shore-based activities (rigging, knots, games) until conditions improve. In colder conditions we have jackets available. 

Lightning = no on-water activity until it’s clear.

We pause mid-session for a water & snack break. Please pack your own food and a full drink bottle.

Absolutely! Ask the instructor where the best vantage point is to watch for the day. This may vary depending on the instructors session plans, wind and tide.

Yes. Drop off, enjoy your day and return for on-time pick-up.

After Your Sail

Most our sailing locations have hot showers open to participants, and change room facilities. 

For safety all participants under 18 must be signed-out at the end of the session. Please sign out with he instructor before leaving. If someone else is picking your child up, or they are walking home, please speak to the instructor at drop-off. 

Chat with your instructor on the final day about the best follow-on course for your ability. 

General Questions

Definitely. Our programs start from absolute beginner level and build skills step-by-step.

Ages 7–12: Tackers 1 (entry)
Ages 12–17: Out-There Sailing
Adults: Start Sailing
Already sailed? Let us know and we’ll place you at the right level.

Yes. All instructors hold current Australian Sailing certificates, First-Aid and Working With Children checks.

Basic water confidence helps, but everyone wears an AS-approved lifejacket at all times. 

Instructors usually coach from a powered safety RIB so you get hands-on time at the helm. They can jump aboard if you need extra support.

Not at all. We provide boats, sails and lifejackets. Just follow the What should I bring list. 

Our dinghies are light and forgiving. If you can move around reasonably well and sit or kneel for short periods, you’ll be fine. Let us know about any specific concerns so we can adapt activities.

Course Overview

Better Sailing builds upon the fundamentals learned in the Start Sailing course, helping participants refine their skills and develop greater confidence on the water. Guided by experienced instructors, sailors will gain the knowledge and practical experience to manage a variety of sailing conditions, enhance speed and efficiency, and respond to challenges on the water. By the end of this course, you will have the skills to sail independently in a range of conditions and take your sailing to the next level.

 

Wind Awareness

  • Identify wind direction using environmental indicators

  • Recognise gusts and lulls on the water

  • Understand lifts and knocks and how they influence upwind sailing

  • Apply strategies to sail efficiently

Boat Handling and Control

  • Correct use of primary boat controls

  • Stop the boat on the spot

  • Sail backwards under control

  • Improve teamwork and crew communication during manoeuvres

Advanced Skills

  • Understand the benefits of roll tacks and gybes

  • Execute smooth roll tacks and gybes

  • Maintain speed during tacks and gybes

Stronger Winds & Performance Sailing

  • Depower the sails using sail controls

  • Hike effectively to keep the boat flat in gusty conditions

  • Anticipate and react to wind changes

  • Maintain control and stability at higher speeds

Water

Hat

Snack

Towel

Wet Clothes

Spare Clothes

Towel

If Available

Spray Jacket

Wetsuit

Water Shoes

Before Your Sail

Please arrive 15 minutes early on day 1 to meet the instructors, sign in and get comfortable. On subsequent days, arrive prior to the start of the program. 

On your first day, our instructors will welcome you, run through a safety briefing, and get you fitted with a lifejacket. You’ll learn the basics on shore before heading out on the water to try simple sailing skills. The sessions are step-by-step, fun, and supportive—no experience needed. By the end of the day, you’ll feel more confident and ready for the adventure ahead!

During Your Sail

Sailing continues in light rain or fresh breezes, but safety comes first. We switch to engaging shore-based activities (rigging, knots, games) until conditions improve. In colder conditions we have jackets available. 

Lightning = no on-water activity until it’s clear.

We pause mid-session for a water & snack break. Please pack your own food and a full drink bottle.

Absolutely! Ask the instructor where the best vantage point is to watch for the day. This may vary depending on the instructors session plans, wind and tide.

Yes. Drop off, enjoy your day and return for on-time pick-up.

After Your Sail

Most our sailing locations have hot showers open to participants, and change room facilities. 

For safety all participants under 18 must be signed-out at the end of the session. Please sign out with he instructor before leaving. If someone else is picking your child up, or they are walking home, please speak to the instructor at drop-off. 

Chat with your instructor on the final day about the best follow-on course for your ability. 

General Questions

Definitely. Our programs start from absolute beginner level and build skills step-by-step.

Ages 7–12: Tackers 1 (entry)
Ages 12–17: Out-There Sailing
Adults: Start Sailing
Already sailed? Let us know and we’ll place you at the right level.

Yes. All instructors hold current Australian Sailing certificates, First-Aid and Working With Children checks.

Basic water confidence helps, but everyone wears an AS-approved lifejacket at all times. 

Instructors usually coach from a powered safety RIB so you get hands-on time at the helm. They can jump aboard if you need extra support.

Not at all. We provide boats, sails and lifejackets. Just follow the What should I bring list. 

Our dinghies are light and forgiving. If you can move around reasonably well and sit or kneel for short periods, you’ll be fine. Let us know about any specific concerns so we can adapt activities.

Registration

Please fill out the below information prior to checkout.