Dreaming of Sailing Beyond the Horizon?
Train for offshore sailing in Coffs Harbour with an RYA Yachtmaster Cruising Instructor and 2x time Sydney to Hobart division winning skipper.
What we do
Sailing Lessons in Coffs Harbour
At Panache Sailing, we build confident sailors through hands-on training focused on seamanship, safety, and real-world experience — from your first time onboard to offshore and ocean passages.
We specialise in short-handed sailing, helping you learn to handle a yacht safely and efficiently with a minimal crew. Based in Coffs Harbour, all training takes place aboard Bluebonnet, a Rustler 36 fully equipped for ocean sailing, giving you authentic experience on a proven bluewater yacht.
Our courses
Discover Sailing
Spend a day or a week-end aboard a classic bluewater sailboat. You’ll gain a basic level of sailing with experience steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work and be aware of safety on board. In the winter months, you’ll be lucky enough to learn to sail while spotting whales.
Offshore Training
As a beginner, intermediate or advanced sailor, you will gain the skills and techniques needed to become a confident crew member or skipper on offshore passages by day and night. These courses can be done over five consecutive days or three weekends.
Short-Handed Sailing
Whether sailing solo or with one or two crew, you’ll learn how to operate a sailing yacht efficiently by simplifying onboard equipment and systems, refining boat handling, and building clear, repeatable processes that reduce workload and increase safety at sea.
Corporate Sailing
Unique corporate experiences that combine learn-to-sail training with meaningful team building on the water. Each session is engaging, practical, and tailored to your group—creating a memorable day that strengthens collaboration and builds confidence both on and off the water.
Why learn with us?
Offshore Sailing, Taught Properly.
Learning is supported by clear, relevant theory to help you understand what’s happening on the boat and build sound decision-making skills, with safety embedded throughout every course.
Grounded in real offshore practice, our training is designed to develop the confidence, competence, and judgement needed to sail independently.
Sail with Skill.
Sail with Confidence.
Sail with Panache.
Benefit from Small Group Instruction
Train in small groups of up to three students, ensuring plenty of hands-on practice, personalised coaching, and direct feedback from your instructor.
Learn from Real Offshore Experience
Led by Maud Demazure, certified RYA Cruising Instructor, professional skipper, and two-time division winner of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Every course is shaped by thousands of offshore miles and hands-on short-handed sailing experience.
Based on RYA Style Training
Our teaching follows the proven methodology of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), delivering a structured and internationally recognised approach to sailing and seamanship.
Train in Offshore Conditions
Unlike many sailing schools operating in sheltered waters, our training takes place in genuine offshore conditions—building confidence, decision-making, and practical seamanship where it matters most.
On an Ocean-Ready Training Vessel
All training takes place aboard Bluebonnet, a Rustler 36 fully equipped for world circumnavigation sailing, giving you hands-on experience aboard a proven bluewater yacht.