Starters in the Junior Learn to Sail programme 

How to Join ?

Please visit the membership page on this website, complete the Junior membership form for Learners and hand to the Dinghy Sailing Coordinator, or the form to mail@waihekeboatclub.co.nz

What the sailing programme is about 

 This is a programme to get your child sailing and participating with the club 

 We follow the ‘National Sailing Scheme’ created by Yachting New Zealand and work through exercises in the work book building on skills 

 It is designed for the beginner, to learn basic sailing skills and then progress on to racing skills, whilst enjoying the pleasures of mucking around in sail boats. 

Suitable Age ?

Minimum Age, 8yrs. This is the age most clubs set as a minimum, although there are exceptions. 

What Boat ?

Optimists are ideal - Intermediate classes, Starling and Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4). 

If you have not already got a boat, you will need to buy one. We can offer assistance/advice to help with this. 

Equipping boats 

You do not need a brand new dinghy and there frequently boats available on the island from families that are trading up. Boats are also available on the trading sites such as Trademe.  Ensuring your child’s boat is satisfactorily equipped and maintained is fundamental to your child’s safety and enjoyment.  

Who runs this Programme ?

A group of keen dinghy sailors turned coaches, who are all volunteers, assisted by the parents. Parents are expected to be on hand to help and assist their kids with rigging their boat. No experience is necessary. 

Can you try before you buy? 

We will endeavour to give your child a trial in someone else’s boat, and then you need to buy a boat and join the club. The club does not own any sail boats for hire or lease. 

NOTE: To participate in this course, you will need to be a member of the Club. Due to the financial outlay required, we will allow up to 2 introductory sessions prior to formally joining the club and program