Discover Sailing

Discover Sailing

Enjoy a half-day or full-day sailing experience in the beautiful waters of Coffs Harbour while learning the basics of sailing.

Course Overview

Discover the stunning coastline of Coffs Harbour on a half-day or full-day sailing experience while learning essential sailing skills, from steering and sail handling to rope work and onboard safety.

During the winter months, you may even be lucky enough to spot migrating whales along the coast, adding a memorable wildlife experience to your time on the water.

The sailing yacht will have a maximum of 5 participants, or you can book the whole boat for a private experience.

Coffs Harbour and Solitary Islands Marine Park

Max 5 students per course or enjoy a private experience

Half a day (3.5h) or Full day (7h)

No previous experience required

Upcoming Courses

Course Content

  • Brief introduction to key sea terms and the main parts of the boat
  • Overview of onboard safety procedures and best practices
  • Demonstration of safe use of winches, clutches, sheets, and halyards
  • Opportunity for all participants to take the helm and practice sail trimming

Program

  • Half-Day Session: 

    During this 3.5-hour hand-on sailing experience, you will learn the basics of sailing while discovering the stunning coastline of Coffs Harbour and the nearby Solitary Islands Marine Park. 

  • Full Day Session: 
    Spend approximately 7 hours on the water enjoying a full-day sailing adventure off Coffs Harbour. Weather permitting, we will pick up a mooring at one of the Solitary Islands, allowing time to relax and enjoy lunch on board before sailing back to Coffs Harbour Marina.

What to bring

  • Clothing: waterproof jacket and trousers if raining, non marking sailing boots or shoes, warm layers in winter months, quick dry clothing, hat and sailing gloves
  • Personal Items: sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle  

What's included

  • Lunch for full day courses, snacks for half-day courses 
  • Lifejackets and harnesses

Sail with Skill.

Sail with Confidence.

Sail with Panache.

Book now
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Have Any Questions?

FAQ's

Didn’t find the answer to your question in the list or would you like more information?

Send us your question by email at info@panachesailing.com.au. We will reply within 24 hours.

This course is open to anyone wishing to learn to sail.

The minimum age is 12 for young participants, with no upper age limit for adults.

Other requirements are that you are able to swim and are comfortable sharing and respecting life onboard a sailing yacht in a small group environment.

You don’t need any prior sailing experience for this course.

It’s designed specifically for complete beginners. You’ll learn everything from the ground up, including basic boat handling, safety procedures, ropework, and how to assist with sailing under supervision.

Our discovery course is designed as an entry point. Fore more in depth training, you can attend our beginner course. As you gain experience, you can progress further to our intermediate and advanced courses.

Although we don’t issue formal sailing certificates, our instruction follows internationally recognised training principles.

Our lessons are led by a principal instructor trained to RYA Cruising Instructor standard, ensuring a strong focus on safe progression, seamanship and confidence-building.

Yes, there may be additional sessions available. Please contact us at info@panachesailing.com.au or call 0450 144 210, and we’ll do our best to arrange an alternative course date that suits your availability.

For discovery courses, full payment is generally required at the time of booking for all participants.

For group bookings made more than 30 days in advance, a 50% deposit may be accepted, with the remaining balance due no later than 30 days prior to the course start date.

Bookings made within 30 days of the course start date require full payment at the time of booking.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled course, you may reschedule once (subject to availability) at the discretion of Panache Sailing. An administration fee of $150 applies.

Cancellation terms:

  • More than 30 days before the course: Full refund minus administrative fee
  • 30 to 21 days before: 50% refund
  • 21 to 14 days before: 30% refund
  • Less than 14 days: No refund

If Panache Sailing cancels a course due to weather or operational reasons, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Courses run in a wide range of weather conditions. If you choose not to attend due to forecast conditions, standard cancellation terms apply.

Panache Sailing holds full commercial insurance.

Participants are encouraged to arrange their own travel insurance to cover personal circumstances such as illness, cancellation, or unforeseen events.