School Sail Training

School Sail Training

Welcome to the Alfreds

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

School Sail Training

The RPAYC follows the Australian Sailing Discover Sailing framework for the delivery of School Sailing Training programs. The RPAYC Discover Sailinng Centre Instructors may enhance it to suit the needs of students if need be. The various programs aim to provide a clear introduction and extension of skills into the sport of sailing, whilst also building upon friendships and companionship among students.

Schools may be involved in Learn to Sail, Out There Youth, Fleet Racing and Teams racing and Keelboat programs where a specialised program has been developed to train students.

The RPAYC also extends an invitation to all students to compete in the Sunday Centreboard Series in the Pacers or if the student has their own dinghy class, in that class.

The following programs are offered:

Primary School Sailing Programs

Our primary school sailing program will provide a clear introduction and extension of skills into the sport of sailing, whilst also building upon friendships and companionship among students. 

  • Poly Optimist Dinghy Class.
  • To introduce those with no previous experience to the sport of sailing.
  • To promote enjoyable, safe and healthy use of our waterways.
  • Then to develop basic boat handling skills.
  • Hobie Wave Multihull Dinghy Class.
  • To promote enjoyable, safe and healthy use of our waterways.
  • Introduction to multihulls.
  • Development of seamanship.
  • Basic wind awareness and sail trim.
  • Pacer Dinghy Class.
  • Further develop boat handling skills.
  • Introduce then develop an intermediate to advanced understanding of Fleet Racing tactics.
  • To introduce and develop an intermediate level of understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing and their application to Fleet Racing.

Secondary School Sailing Programs

The secondary school sailing program at RPAYC offers entry level sailing programs for beginners, through to advanced race training and keelboat training programs for seasoned sailors. Secondary school sailing programs will advance friendships and encourage participatns to improve their communication skills and teamwork dynamics. 

  • Pacer Dinghy Class.
  • To introduce those with no previous experience to the sport of sailing.
  • To promote enjoyable, safe and healthy use of our waterways.
  • Then to develop basic boat handling skills.
  • Pacer Class Dinghy.
  • Further develop boat handling skills.
  • Develop an understanding of Fleet and Teams Racing tactics and strategy.
  • To develop an understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing and their application to both Fleet and Teams Racing.

The aims of the Teams Racing Program are as follows:

  • Develop student’s boat handling skills in a Pacer Class Dinghy.
  • Improve wind awareness and Sail Trim.
  • To develop an understanding of Teams Racing tactics and strategy.
  • To develop an understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing and their application to Teams Racing.
  • Participate in the Pittwater Schools Team Racing Regatta.
  • Elliott 7 Keelboats
  • To introduce those with no previous experience to the sport of sailing.
  • To promote enjoyable, safe and healthy use of our waterways.
  • Then to develop basic keelboat handling skills.

The Youth Sportsboat Program is suitable for experienced dinghy and/or keelboat sailors. 

  • Understand and develop keelboat boat handling skills including the dynamics of both asymmetrical and symmetrical spinnakers
  • Fleet Race training and Regatta experience
  • Developing a deeper understanding and knowledge base of the Racing Rules of Sailing
  • Implementing changes from dinghy fleet racing tactics to keelboat racing
  • Execution of better teamwork dynamics

Youth Keelboat Program

The RPAYC Youth Keelboat Program will run during Term 4 and 1, with on water training and opportunities for regatta experience. The program is an opportunity for sailors with existing dinghy racing and keelboat sailing experience to understand and develop keelboat handling and racing skills. Training will focus on building core teamwork dynamics and sail trim techniques onboard the RPAYC’s fleet of Elliott 7 keelboats.

  • Understand and develop keelboat boat handling skills including the dynamics of both asymmetrical and symmetrical spinnakers
  • Fleet Race training and Regatta experience
  • Developing a deeper understanding and knowledge base of the Racing Rules of Sailing
  • Implementing changes from dinghy fleet racing tactics to keelboat racing
  • Execution of better teamwork dynamics

Additional Courses for Youth Sailors

Kids Learn to Sail

Learn to sail by enrolling in one of our weekend ‘Tackers’ sailing courses or School Holiday Sailing Programs!

OutThere Youth Programs

OutThere Youth Program is an opportunity for 12–17 year-olds looking to try something new on the water.

Youth Development

The YD Program will advance and develop a sailors skills and provide a pathway to high-level competitions.