What to Expect During Your Training

Stepping onto a boat for your first formal training session can feel like entering a whole new world - complete with its own language, rules, and routines.  That’s completely normal.

Our training environment is designed to be a supportive, low-pressure space.  Every Skipper & Instructor on our team was once a beginner, too.  Here is everything you need to know about what your days will look like, how to prepare, and what to expect on the water.

1. Before You Arrive: Packing & Attire

You don’t need specialized nautical gear to start learning, but dressing for the environment makes a huge difference in your comfort and confidence.

Non-Marking Footwear: Wear sneakers or deck shoes with light-coloured, non-skid rubber soles. Avoid dark soles (which scuff the boat), flip-flops, high heels, or open-toed sandals.

Dress in Layers: It is almost always 5 to 10 degrees cooler on the water than on land, and wind speeds add a chill factor. Bring a lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket even if the sun is shining.

Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the water, doubling your exposure. Pack a hat (preferably with a strap so it doesn't blow away), polarized sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen (please apply lotion before stepping aboard—spray sunscreens make decks slippery).

Hydration & Snacks: Bring a reusable water bottle with a secure lid and light, non-messy snacks.

2. Arriving at the Marina: Your First 15 Minutes

When you step onto the dock, take a breath - you’re in good hands.  Fresh Air and Openness awaits you. 

The Meet & Greet: You'll meet your instructor at our centre.  Once you have booked in and completed a brief introduction, they will help you board safely (Rule #1: Always maintain "three points of contact" - two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand - when moving onto or around the boat).

The Safety Briefing: Before we touch a single control or untie a line, we review the essential safety gear.  You'll learn where the life jackets (PFDs), fire extinguishers, throw lines, and first-aid kits are located, as well as how to use them correctly.

3. On the Water: The Flow of the Lesson

We don't throw you straight into complicated docking manoeuvres.  Training follows a structured, step-by-step progression:

Orientation & Engine Checks:  Your instructor will walk you through pre-departure checks, fuel safety, and how the controls work while safely tied to the dock.

Leaving the Dock:  Your instructor will handle the initial departure while you observe and assist with lines or fenders.

Open Water Practice:  Once clear of the marina, you'll be fully involved, as you learn the importance of team work!  Open water gives you plenty of space to get a feel for how the boat steers, accelerates, and responds to wind and current without worrying about others around you.

Hands-On Repetition: You’ll practice essential skills like slow-speed manoeuvring, turning, holding a position, and understanding basic navigation rules ("Stand-On & Give Way, Who Gives Way to Who?").  Setting Sails and getting the best out of your vessel is a key skill in yacht sailing.  Using the correct level of power, whilst under full control, is the key to all boat handling, be it Power or Sail. 

Controlled Docking Practice: Toward the end of the session, we move back to a safe area to practice close-quarters manoeuvring and docking. We'll take it slow, with your instructor guiding every one through the moves.