Would you like to give sailing a try? Then this 2 day, 1 night course is ideal to see if it’s something you would like to take further. It’s a short introduction to sailing for complete beginners given by an instructor who understands you may be apprehensive. The aim is to have fun, learn the basic sailing skills and how to sail safely. By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework, be aware of safety on board and have experienced living on-board a yacht.
| Pre-course Practical Requirements: | None. |
| Pre-course Theory Requirements: | None. |
| Course duration: | 2 days and 1 night sleeping on-board (no exceptions permitted). |
| Minimum age: | 12 years old. Under 18 year old will only be accepted if accompanied by a responsible adult. |
| What’s Included: | Mooring fees, accommodation on-board, all meals and snacks from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. All drinks including water and soft drinks. |
| Maximum Students: | Maximum of 5 students. |
| Cost: | HK$3,500/person. |
| Optional Cost: | None |
| Award: | RYA Start Yachting Course Completion Certificate. |
The itinerary is dependant on weather but below is a typical 2 day course (Option 1 is for a pre-scheduled course and Option 2 can be selected if it’s a group booking):
OPTION 1
Day 1. Arrive RHKYC Causeway Bay at the time in your joining instructions. Crew briefing and sail to Port Shelter in the east of Hong Kong undertaking some basic yacht training on the way. Arrive in Hebe Haven about 1800hrs and dock at the RHKYC. Head off for a shower to freshen up before dinner which will be taken at the clubhouse. Then retire back to the yacht for the evening and sleep onboard.
Day 2. Up around 0800hrs and sail back to RHKYC Causeway Bay doing some more training on the way. Arrive back to finish the course about 1700hrs.
OPTION 2 (can be selected by those who block book the yacht as a group)
Day 1. Arrive RHKYC Causeway Bay at the time in your joining instructions. Crew briefing and sail to the south of Hong Kong Island (Tai Tam or Repulse Bay) undertaking some basic yacht training on the way. On arrival, drop anchor about 1800hrs and have dinner onboard before retiring to sleep onboard.
Day 2. Up around 0800hrs and sail back to RHKYC Causeway Bay doing some more training on the way. Arrive back to finish the course about 1700hrs.
Students require to bring the following (see FAQs for more detials):
- Lightweight sleeping bag or equivalent and pillow.
- Clothes suitable for 2 days sailing.
- Kit backed into a soft bag (no hard suitcase).
- Photo ID.
- Weather proof clothing suitable for the time of year.
- Footwear such as deck shoes or trainers with good grip.
This course provides a short introduction to sail cruising for novices. By the end of the course, students will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.
The Yacht
- Basic Knowledge of sea terms, parts of a boat, her rigging and sails
Ropework
- Ability to tie the following knots: figure of eight, round turn and two half hitches, bowline
- Securing a rope to a cleat
- Use of winches and jamming cleats
Underway
- Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail
- Can steer a yacht under sail or power
Rules of the road
- Can keep an efficient look out at sea
Meteorology
- Knows where to obtain a weather forecast
Man overboard recovery
- Understands the action to be taken to recover a man overboard
Clothing and equipment
- Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses’, lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids
Emergency equipment and precautions
- Is aware of hazards on board a yacht
- Knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency
The RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Theory Course to get a basic understanding of navigation followed by the RYA Competent Crew practical course. Also consider joining a course under the Experience & Mile Building programme to gain valuable experience before your next formal course.
Booking
If courses have been scheduled they will be listed below, click the course required below to access the booking page and to check availability.
If a course has a Reserve List Active banner you may request to be placed on the list by clicking this button Request Reserve.
To receive notification of the new course dates please register using the form on the Home page Home Page.