What should I bring sailing?

Towel

Clothes that can get wet

Closed-toe footwear that can get wet (beach shoes, old sneakers)

Change of clothes

Hat

Water bottle

Snack and lunch (Tackers)

And if available:

Windproof and waterproof jacket

Wetsuit

Wetsuit boots

*PFD (lifejacket) Type 3 Provided*

Can I hire a sailing boat?

Unfortunately, our insurance as a training centre does not allow us to hire out boats.

Do I need to have sailing experience to join a program?

No sailing experience is required! Our experienced Instructors have introduced thousands of people to Sailing in a safe and fun environment and will teach you everything you need to know along the way.

Which program is best for me?

This depends on your age, and experience level. Please review Learn to Sail page to learn about our different courses.

Is sailing available for people of all abilities?

Absolutely! We can adapt our programs to suit your level of ability.

What equipment do you provide?

We provide boats and life jackets. Our training boats include Optimists, Pacers and WindSups to suit a range of age groups and experience levels.

Will an Instructor be in the boat with me?

While on the water, our Instructors provide instruction and oversee the safety of the whole group from a RHIB (motorboat).

Are the instructors qualified?

All instructors at Smooth Sailing School hold Australian Sailing qualifications and are all experienced sailors themselves.

-Powerboat handling certificate

-Level 2 first aid and CPR

-Australian Sailing Instructor certificate

-Working with Children Check

-Victorian Marine Licence

How old does my child have to be to participate in Tackers?

The minimum age for Tackers programs is seven years old.

As a parent do I need to stay whilst the program is running?

You do not need to stay whilst the program is running. Our programs are run by experienced Australian Sailing qualified instructors and are delivered in a safe environment. However, if you do wish to be involved, speak to an Instructor as there could be an off-water role for you.

Do participants have to know how to swim to participate in a course?

It is best to have some swimming ability for confidence around the water. However, participants are required to wear a life jacket.

Is there somewhere to store valuables?

An Instructor will show you where your bags can be left for the duration of the session.

How do I report a child safety concern?

If you have any concerns to report please inform one of the Instructors, or notify a Smooth Sailing School manager (Oscar or Tom) in person or email info@smoothsailingschool.com

What is an AS number?

An Australian Sailing number is provided to everyone when they join a course. It is used nationally for membership to identify participants and the courses and qualifications they achieve.