Learn to crew, helm and skipper a Yacht in 3 weeks!

These 2-day courses are designed for sailors who have completed their Australian Sailing Start Sailing 1 & 2 course, and want to further develop their sailing skills to become competent crew, helmsmen and skippers aboard keelboats in open water.
Sailors will work with a crew of up to 6 to safely navigate the Gold Coast Broadwater sailing on a Melges 24 or Blazer 23.

After completing the Keelboat Program sailors will have the knowledge, skills and certification to crew and helm any keelboat in the world, or skipper their own! Participants will also have the opportunity to crew on members' yachts for racing at Southport Yacht Club.

Program Details

Participants can book individual course or the entire program, there is no obligation to do all 3 levels.

Dates & Times
9am-3pm
2-day courses over a weekend
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th Apr (Only Level 1 offered)
Sat 10th & Sun 11th Apr (Level 1 and 2 offered)
Sat 17th & Sun 18th Apr (Level 1, 2 and 3 offered)

Can't make it?
More TBC for September 2027 
or submit an Expression of Interest

Costs: Each course is $500 for 2 days.
Book all 3 levels and receive a 20% discount

Courses

Keelboat Crewing (Level 1) 
Become a Competent Crew onboard a Keelboat.
Learn the essentials of setting and trimming sails.
Prerequisite:  Australian Sailing Start Sailing 1 & 2
or prior sailing experience
Outcome: Australian Sailing Keelboat Crewing Certificate

Keelboat Helming (Level 2)
Become a Competent Helmsman.
Learn to steer a Keelboat under the guidance of a skipper.
Prerequisite: AS Keelboat Crewing (Level 1) Certificate
Outcome: AS Keelboat Helming Certificate

Keelboat Skipper (Level 3)
Become a Competent Skipper
Take command of the vessel and her crew. Learn how to best organise resources, plan the voyage, plot navigation and maintain the safety of crew.
Note: The Keelboat Instructor is ultimately responsible for the safety of the vessel and crew. Keelboat Skipper Participants have delegated authority under the supervision of the Keelboat Instructor.
Prerequisite: AS Keelboat Helming (Level 2) Certificate
Outcome: AS Keelboat Skipper Certificate

Criteria: To obtain the national accreditation for each level, participants must log 12 hours of sailing skill development, with at least 6 hours under sail.
Syllabus & Logbook

Course Info

It is recommended all participants read the Introductory Keelboat program text book before commencing.

What to Wear: Sailing Gear Guide
Also, bring a towel, change of clothes, and layers if you are prone to getting cold.

Food:
Once out sailing, it may be impractical to come back in for morning or afternoon tea, so it's best to bring snacks in a small soft cooler.
We will come in for lunch at the Hollywell Sailing Squadron, the Bar and Bistro will be open from 11:30 each day.

For more information contact:
SYC Academy
academy@sycgc.com.au
07 5655 3368