Adult Learn to sail
Welcome to the Alfreds
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
Adult Keelboat Sailing Courses
Welcome to the Alfred’s Australian Sailing (AS) Keelboat Program
RPAYC offers a simple training pathway for adults wanting to get into sailing or for those seasoned sailors to develop their skills. Training is delivered by Australian Sailing (AS) accredited instructors following a national syllabus.
RPAYC provides a pathway from the beginner stages right through to race coaching. If you want to discover sailing, we will provide a safe, fun, and affordable environment to build your skills. View upcoming courses below.
Discover Sailing Experience
Let us introduce you to sailing!
Experience a taste of our Start Crewing and Helming courses through a hands-on, Discover Sailing experience. Sail with friends and family during a week day twilight or Saturday inshore yacht race.
Discover Sailing sessions are currently held on Thursdays, January through mid-March 2024 as part of the clubs regular Thursday Twilight Racing and regular on-water days. Dates vary and sessions book out fast. Register ahead so you don’t miss out!
To register, click on the button and select a date. You will need an Australian Sailing number. For those new to sailing, you can apply for your Australian Sailing number, as part of the registration process for a Discover Sailing at RPAYC.
Start Crewing Course (Level 1)
If you are new to sailing then the Start Crewing short course is the first step in your sailing journey! This course is an introduction to the basics of crewing and sailing on a keelboat. Learn about rigging, how the wind and sails work, safety and the different crewing roles onboard. Most importantly, you’ll have fun and meet new sailors and club members along the way!
The RPAYC Start Crewing course is held over multiple sessions, with up to 12 hours of training. No previous sailing or boating experience is required!
Course Fees
- RPAYC member course fee*: $550.00
- Visitor course fee: $600.00
*To be eligible for the ‘Member Discounted Fee’, the participating ‘Member’ is required to be financial for the membership year (through until 30th April).
Start Helming Course (Level 2)
The next step is to complete the Start Helming course. This course develops both your theory and practical skills to confidently take control on the helm. You will learn more about the preparation of the boat, helm and trim on all points of sail, recovery of man overboard whilst at the helm. An instructor will remain with you onboard to make sure you are comfortable steering a boat.
The RPAYC Start Helming course is held over 6 sessions (3 hours each).
Pre-requisite experience: Start Crewing Course
Course Fees
- RPAYC member fee*: $745.00
- Non-member fee: $820.00
*To be eligible for the ‘Member Discounted Fee’, the participating ‘Member’ is required to be financial for the membership year (through until 30th April).
Spinnaker Course (Level 3)
The Spinnaker course introduces you to the fun and challenge of using an asymmetrical and/or a symmetrical spinnaker. You will learn the crewing roles, the procedures for ‘hoisting’ and ‘dropping’ spinnakers, how to ‘gybe’ with a spinnaker, and trimming techniques.
The RPAYC Spinnakers course is held over 6 sessions (3 hours each).
Pre-requisite experience: Start Crewing and Helming Courses
Course Fees
- RPAYC member fee*: $745.00
- Non-member fee: $820.00
*To be eligible for the ‘Member Discounted Fee’, the participating ‘Member’ is required to be financial for the membership year (through until 30th April).
Start Skippering Keelboat Course (Level 3)
Advance your helming ability and sailing skills to the point where you are comfortable taking control of the boat unsupervised in sheltered waters. As the skipper, you will learn how to assess risks onboard, interpret weather conditions, take action in an emergency, and sail alongside a dock.
The RPAYC Start Skippering course is held over 6 sessions (3 hours each).
Pre-requisite experience: Start Crewing and Helming Courses
RPAYC member fee*
$765.00
Non-member fee
$840.00
*To be eligible for the ‘Member Discounted Fee’, the participating ‘Member’ is required to be financial for the 2022 / 23 Membership Season (through until 30th April).
Due to the extensive waiting list for upcoming Adult Learn to Sail Keelboat Courses, many programs are now offered via a waiting list.
Please complete an Expression of Interest form to join our waiting list for Keelboat Courses.
How to register for an Australian Sailing course at RPAYC...
To register for all sailing courses at RPAYC, you will need an Australian Sailing number. This is your unique identifier that recognises you as a member and/or course participant. If you already have an Australian Sailing number, you can look it up here. If you do not have one, then there is an option to begin registration for an Australian Sailing number when registering for a course or Discover Sailing experience for the first time (follow the links via course registration).
Once registered, you will receive a number, a username and an online profile. The benefits of this include being able to enrol in any national sailing courses, register for a ‘SailPass’, and to keep a record of your memberships, courses and qualifications.
