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Yachting is a very adaptive sport that everybody can get something out of. Whether it is intense racing, sailing around the world, or just an afternoon picnic cruise, sailing is a sport to be enjoyed by everybody!
Getting started
To give yachting a go, contact a yacht club near you to organise a visit and find out what events or courses are on locally. You can find a list of clubs in our Club Directory. Yacht clubs sometimes hold open days when you can try sailing and find out more about joining a club.
Yachting New Zealand runs a "Sailing... Have a Go!" programme for intermediate school children, where their school can attend an introduction to sailing day at their local yacht club. This programme is fully inclusive, as the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation have equipped the trailers with some fully adapable boats.
Most people start sailing by joining a yacht club, and taking lessons. In many occasions all the equipment you need is provided by the club or sailing schools.
Click here to see what kind of things you learn in the YNZ Learn to Sail Syllabus. This syllabus has a suppliemnt download for disabled sailors who may not be phyically able to complete some of the qualification checklist items. Also, the suppliment has been approved for NCEA/ NZQA Unit Standard credits!
Clubs
Yacht clubs are a fun, social and safe environment to learn how to sail and make new friends. New sailors can benefit from the advice, support and experience of the other members. Joining a club is a great way to find out about sailing opportunities and participate in racing and cruising events. Most yacht clubs have great member benefits such as discounts on lessons and they are a great way to meet people and network within the sailing community.
The Yachting New Zealand's website has a Club Directory so you can find local yacht clubs. It is as easy as a phone call (or stopping by) and filling out a form! If you see boats out on the water and are interested, head on down to the yacht club and see what's happening.
Membership and Fees
Membership fees to yacht clubs vary and there's a wide range of options available, depending on the club and type of membership. Fees vary for lessons, equipment and yacht hire too, but are often cheaper for members. For more information on fees and membership, contact your local club to find out what options are available.
What to wear
Clothing will depend on what type of sailing you will be doing, if it is dinghy sailing you will want water-friendly clothing and shoes, many people choose to wear a wetsuit. In Keelboat sailing, a weather proof jacket & pants are recommended. Remember, it's always colder out on the water and in the wind, so be sure to pack extra layers of clothing just in case. Lifejackets should always be worn, no matter how good of a swimmer you are!
For more information
Visit the Disabled Sailing section of YNZ's Website ... there you can find a list of contact people around NZ that can help you get started, and some frequently asked questions.
