Start Helming Course
The Start Helming course is the next step on the Australian Sailing accredited pathway to learning to sail a small keelboat.
It is an ideal course for adults and teenagers (16yrs+) who are looking to develop or improve their sailing skills.
Course Description
This course develops both your theory and practical skills to confidently take control on the helm. You will learn preparation of the boat, helming & trimming on all points-of-sail, using telltales to helm effectively and affect the recovery of man-overboard whilst at the helm. This further 12-hour course will also provide you with more of the valuable time-on-water that helps to develop your skills in differing wind and environmental conditions. You will learn key concepts including how sails can control the steering of a boat not just the rudder, as well as luffing, heave-to and getting out of “irons”. The course also introduces other essential areas including weather, ropework and general seamanship skills like anchoring and reefing sails.
This course is highly recommended for those who have completed the Start Crewing course or who have some prior sailing experience and it readies students for more advanced courses such as Start Skippering and Spinnakers.
Course Info:
Course Length: 4 x 3-hour practical sessions held over two days
Minimum Age: 16 years
Maximum number of crew on a boat: Five (4 students + 1 Instructor)
Course cost*: $445 per person for Wollongong Yacht Club members.
Included in course fee:
- 12 hours of instruction by qualified instructors
- Use of personal safety equipment including life jacket
- Waterproof course kit with National Keelboat Program logbook & Introductory Keelboat textbook
- Upon successful completion, a nationally recognised Australian Sailing Start Helming certificate.
More Advanced Courses
You may be interested in the Start Skippering, Spinnakers and Start Racing courses
Contact Us for more information.
Please note that in accordance with the WYC policy it is necessary for you to have a COVID19 vaccination certificate to undertake our courses. You will be requested to upload the certificate at registration
