Beginner Course

Learn to sail from scratch in a calm, supportive environment.

Course Overview

This beginner sailing course introduces you to the fundamentals of sailing a cruising yacht in coastal conditions. You’ll learn how a yacht works, how to handle sails, steer safely and work as part of a crew.

Coffs Harbour and Solitary Islands Marine Park

Max 4 students per course

5 consecutive days or 3 weekends.

No previous experience required

Option to liveaboard. Full access to marina showers and facility.

Upcoming Courses

Course Content

  • Understanding sea terms, and parts of the boat.
  • Sail handling (bend on, set, reef, trim)
  • The use of winches, clutches, sheets and halyards
  • Ropework (coiling, stowing, use of cleats, knots)
  • Helming and sail trimming on all points of sail
  • Steering to a compass under power and sail
  • Crew duties during mooring, berthing, and anchoring
  • Personal safety, safety on board
  • Person overboard. and emergency situations
  • Rules of the road
  • Basic meteorology

Program*

  • Days 1–2: Foundations and Safety
    Basic nautical terms, safety procedures, sail handling, and ropework.
  • Days 3–4: Sailing Skills
    Helmsmanship on all points of sail, compass steering, and use of onboard equipment.
  • Day 5: Manoeuvring and Review
    Mooring, berthing, anchoring, and a “Person Overboard” drill.
  • Throughout the Week
    Introduction to weather forecasting, pilotage, and night sailing experience

* This program may be changed based on weather conditions during the training

What to bring

  • Clothing: waterproof jacket and trousers, non marking sailing boots or shoes, warm layers, quick dry clothing, hat and sailing gloves, swimwear and beach towel
  • Personal Items: sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, personal medications, toiletries
  • Miscellaneous: head torch, notebook and pencil, phone charger/power bank  

What's included

  • Bedding, bath towel
  • Meals and snacks onboard
  • Lifejackets and harnesses
  • Theory material

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 beginner course is designed as an entry point. As you gain experience, you can progress to intermediate and advanced courses.

On weekend and 5-day courses, participants often have mixed experience levels. Instruction is tailored individually so you can learn at your own pace.

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.

Yes. For weekend and 5-day courses booked more than 30 days in advance, a 50% deposit can be arranged. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the course start date.

For bookings made within 30 days of the course start date, full payment is required.

Please contact us at info@panachesailing.com.au or 0450 144 210 to arrange payment options.

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.