Learn to Sail is a national programme developed by Yachting New Zealand.  The programme covers the basic skills and is offered in both a Dinghy sailing option and a Keelboat sailing option. While the programme is taught mainly at Yacht Clubs it is increasingly offered by Commercial Sailing Schools.

Learn To Sail Programme – For Dinghies
Course Content and Levels

Level 1: An introduction to Dinghy sailing

• Safety and Wind Awareness
• Parts of the Boat and Knots
• Capsize
• Sailing
• Rigging
• Boat Handling
• Capsize and Recovery and Getting Out Of Irons
• Upwind and Downwind
• Rules

Level 2: Basic Sailing Skills

• Rigging
• Safety
• Weather and Tide
• The Five Essentials
• Launching and Retrieving
• Sailing
• Rules and Hiking

Level 3: Learn to Race
The syllabus for Learn To Race has not yet been finalised. The anticipated start date is August 2010 with a preview available in February 2010. Please stay tuned!
Levels 1 & 2 are commonly offered together. This will take approximately 20-30 hours.

Learn To Sail Programme – For Keelboats

Level 1: Introduction to Keelboat sailing

• Hazards, equipment, parts of the boat and sailing definitions
• Hoisting and changing the mainsail and basics of sail trim and telltale use.
• Avoiding collisions and recovering a man overboard
• Understanding weather forecasts and the clothing suitable for different conditions
• Learning a variety of knots and their uses
• Performing all roles associated with tacking, gibing and other crew positions of a boat
• A knowledge of the ‘Give Way’ rules

Level 2: Competent cruising crew

• Performing safety checks.
• The correct procedure for use of VHF radio in an emergency
• An understanding of a marine engine, carrying out pre start motor checks and how to start and manoeuvre
• Berthing and man overboard exercises under power and under sail
• Hoisting and setting the jib/main, changing the headsail, tacking/gibing and sail trimming skills in all crew positions.
• Helming a boat under instruction
• Planning a voyage and use basic navigation skills
• Experiencing a night sail (optional)
• A range of anchoring techniques
• Good boat keeping.
• ‘Rules of the Road’ on the water
• Tow and row a dinghy safely including coming alongside and transferring passengers

Level 3: Overnight Skipper

• Planning for safe voyages
• Communication systems
• Engine management
• Heavy weather precautions
• Responsible nagivation
• Minor and less minor emergencies
• Boat Keeping and Maintenance
• Galley Skills, stocking the boat with food
• Night watch & spending at least one night on board
• Planning & carrying out a sail of not less than 3 days