Start Helming

A Keelboat Start Helming course is an introduction to helming (steering) a small keelboat. The course is Australian Sailing Accredited and instructed by qualified Australian Sailing Instructors. Start Helming covers the basic safety, theory and practical skills involved in helming a small keelboat. 

Our Start Helming course is conducted on our club 7.5m (25ft) keelboats which are perfect for teaching and learning. We will provide you with a life jacket for your course and a wet weather jacket if you need one. You will not need any special clothing for your course, however we request that you wear non-marking (or light coloured) soled shoes and make sure to bring warm clothing that you are able to get wet. On rainy or windy days it is a great idea to bring a towel and a change of clothes.

Each participant will receive a theory book and a log book during the Start Crewing Course. Please remember to bring your books with you to all of your keelboat courses. If you do not have them and would like to purchase them they are available for $45 from the boating office. You will receive a certificate of participation which may be emailed to you after the course.

We will have a lunch break each day and you are welcome to bring your own lunch or purchase lunch from our Member’s Bar. For safety reasons we are unable to take anyone on board who has consumed alcohol before or during the course.

Our Keelboat Programs are priced at $380pp and we do offer a member discount. If you would like to be notified when course dates are confirmed please email [email protected]

Click here for session times and dates

Length

• 12 hour Two Day course  (2 x 6 hr days) 

A makeup date is also scheduled in the event of bad weather.

Start Helming Outcomes

Start Helming Pre-requisites

Water confident.

Over 16 years or 12 years with a guardian.

Completed Start Crewing including all outcomes (or equivalent skills)

Who should do this course?

Anyone wanting to learn the basic fundamentals of helming a small keelboat.

Next Steps

Following the Start Crewing Course there are a number of options to continue your sailing:

• Apply for a Season Pass membership for unlimited courses over 12 month
• Repeat your Start Helming course to consolidate your knowledge and achieve all outcomes 
• Continue onto a Start Racing course to learn the basics of racing
• Consider a spinnaker course to learn more about using Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Spinnakers
• Join a crew looking for members and start club racing
• Explore our other courses