WYC Learn To Sail
The fundamental purpose of the WYC is to introduce children to the joys of sailing and helping each participant to grow in character and personal confidence. Level 1 will be using the WYC Optimist yachts. Levels 2 and 3 will use the O’pen Bic Class yachts. Certificates of attainment will be presented to course attendees who develop the skills taught in these courses.
Courses will be run by accredited YNZ coaches and other experienced yachtsmen and women from the WYC.
wyc learn 2021/22 Learn To Sail – Dates and Class Offerings
Please notE Due to high demand many classes have waiting lists
SPRING LTS PROGRAMS
After School Classes are filled - if you are on the waiting list and there is a space you will receive an email
20th + 21st November – Adult Level 1: 9am – 2pm
11th Dec: Girls Yoga + Sail Day: 9am – 3pm
18th Dec: Junior Regatta
19th Dec: Adult Beginner Regatta
29th + 30th Jan: Women’s Level 1: 9am – 2pm
12th +13th Feb: Adult Level 1: 9am – 2pm
12th + 13th March: Adult Level 1: 9am – 2pm
sUMMER 2022 LTS PROGRAMS
10th + 11th January – Children’s Summer Camp Level 1: 9am – 3pm
12th + 13th January – Children’s Summer Camp Level 2: 9am – 3pm
17th + 18th January – Children’s Summer Camp Racing: 9am – 3pm
19th + 20th January – Children’s Summer Camp Girls: 9am – 3pm
22nd January – Adult Yoga + Sail Day Retreat
24th + 25th January – Children’s Summer Camp Level 1: 9am – 3pm
26th + 27th January – Children’s Summer Camp Teenage: 9am – 3pm
29th + 30th January – Adult Level 1: 9am – 2pm – FULLY BOOKED
12th + 13th February – Adult Level 1: 9am – 2pm
26th February – Adult Yoga + Sail Day Retreat
Easter holiday program 2022
TBC
spring 2022 - aFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Please email learn@wanakayachtclub.co.nz to go on the waitlist.
LEARN TO SAIL PROGRAMS
Learn to Sail is a teaching Syllabus that has been developed by Yachting New Zealand over many years to provide a fun and safe learning environment.
Participants learn how to sail a boat safely and competently in moderate conditions.
Course Progression
Young sailors may join into any level but it is dependent on their experience. Feel free to contact us for a chat to
determine their most suited level.
Level 1: A beginner joining at Level 1 will complete the course and WYC will recommend the next step to take based on how well that student has progressed. Some youngsters may need a further course at Level 1 to gain enough confidence to step up to Level 2. Level 1 will be completed in Optimist dinghies.
Level 2: Those entering Level 2 will complete this course in the Optimist or O’pen Bic Class. Being a slightly bigger but less stable boat the Open Bic is fast and fun to sail. Youngsters that do not own an O’pen Bic will have use of a Foundation boat for this course.
Level 3: Following completion of Level 2 the coaching in Level 3 becomes a little more advanced with race training. If a young sailor is showing natural ability and talent at the conclusion of this course, parents will be offered a way forward to either purchase their own Bic or enter the scholarship program in order for the young sailor to continue his/her development. Youngsters who own their own O’pen Bic’s may return to Level 3 as many times as they wish.
What to bring when attending courses
Applicants will need to bring:
Swim suit
Life-jacket
Bottled water and lunch/snacks
Sunblock, hat, sunglasses, rash shirt
Windbreaker
Warm clothing
Closed in soft beach shoes or neoprene booties
Wetsuits (if you have)
Sailing gloves (if you have)
Sailing clothing is dependent on seasonal conditions. For the first-time applicants the WYC can provide life-jackets but not wetsuits.
Ideal Skipper
Students must be competent in the water and pass a 50m swim test before sailing. Most sailors start at around age 9 – 12. However we have classes suitable for teens who are interested in trying out sailing too. To build confidence sailors capsize regularly at the start. There are up to 10 sailors in each course
The use of a club-owned Optimist, Open Bic, 420, or RS Quest is available for use in classes fro those who do not have their own boat. The cost for this is $70 for the duration of the course.
A buoyancy vest is included in the Learn to Sail fee. All you have to provide is appropriate clothing and encouraging support!
Wanaka Yacht Club has both a warm, friendly atmosphere and a great spirit. We work hard to provide great learning experiences and boat-loads of fun being taught to sail by our awesome volunteer coaching team.
Wanaka Yacht club is primarily run by a tireless group of volunteers with a passion for providing opportunities for the kids in our community. We are always looking for parent helpers at our classes, support crews on boats and help with our events.
We also have scholarship and sponsorship programs. If interested in learning more please contact us.