Learn to Sail
Junior Sailing
Development Squad
Adult Sailing
Wind Surfing
Wing Foiling
Powerboat
All Ages, All Abilities, All Welcome
At Rye Yacht Club Sailing School, there’s a program for everyone — from juniors taking their very first sail, to adults looking to try something new or sharpen their skills. Our wide range of courses includes Junior and Adult Learn to Sail, a Youth Development Squad, powerboat handling and safety boat operator training, as well as windsurfing, paddle boarding, and wing foiling. No matter your age, ability, or experience, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment to learn, grow, and enjoy the water.
RYC
Sailing School
2015, 2019, 2023
Yachting Victoria Discover
Sailing Centre of the Year
Bob Cooper
Sailing School Principal
2016 & 2023
Austalian Sailing
Instructor of the Year
Kate Hyde
RYC Sailing Instructor
2017
Australian Sailing
Instructor of the Year
Adult Learn to Sail
Adult Start Sailing
Rye Yacht Club offers 5-week Start Sailing 1 & 2 courses for adults each summer, giving you the skills and confidence to enjoy sailing on your own or with others. Courses run on Saturdays from 9am–3pm, using 2-person Pacer dinghies, Quests, and a selection of single-person boats.
Participants receive comprehensive instruction covering safety, rigging, launching and retrieval, tacking and gybing, and sailing on all points of the wind.
Download the enrolment form below to start your sailing journey this summer.
Course cost: $300
RYC membership required (6-Day-Visit membership available for $120)
Adult Coaching
Refine your sailing skills with one-on-one guidance from an experienced coach. Our Adult Coaching program covers advanced techniques, racing strategies, boat setup, and reading wind shifts — all tailored to your level.
Take your sailing to the next level and enjoy personalized instruction on the water.
Adult Coaching costs
Sailing your own boat: $50 for 4 sessions
Sailing a Club boat: $100 for 4 sessions
RYC membership required (6-Day-Visit membership available for $120)
Development Squad
Development Squad Coaching
Our Junior Development Squad is designed for sailors who have completed Tackers 1–3 or the OutThere Sailing program and want to take their skills further. Training runs on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, focusing on advanced sailing techniques, teamwork, and confidence on the water.
Development Squad members are encouraged to participate in Sunday afternoon club racing once a month, and will also have opportunities to compete in regattas outside the club, gaining experience with other coaches and racing against sailors from other clubs.
A number of Sailing School boats are available for hire for squad members throughout the season, making it easy to get out on the water and keep improving.
Download the enrolment form below to join the Development Squad and continue your sailing journey with Rye Yacht Club.
Development Squad Coaching costs
Sailing your own boat: $225 | Sailing a Club boat: $450
Junior Membership ($90) is required to join the program
Junior Learn to Sail
OutThere Sailing for ages 12 and up
For older juniors (approximately 12+), our OutThere Sailing courses offer the next step in learning to sail. Running on Saturday mornings, these courses cover much of the same sailing skills as Tackers 1, 2 & 3, while introducing larger boats like RS Fevas, Laser 4.7s, and O’penBICs.
Participants also get to try windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and powerboating, making for a fun and varied experience on the water.
Enrol by downloading the OutThere Sailing form below and returning it to the Club with a Membership Form and payment at least one week before the program.
A fantastic way for juniors to build skills, confidence, and a love of the water.
First course: $200 | Subsequent courses: $180
Junior Membership ($90) is required to join the program
Tackers for 7 to 11 year-olds
A joyful way to spark confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of the water.
Perfect for kids aged 7–11, Tackers introduces young sailors to the fun, adventure, and teamwork of sailing — no experience needed! Over eight weekly morning sessions, kids build skills, confidence, and friendships while exploring the water in a safe, supportive environment.
Enrol by downloading the Tackers form below and returning it to the Club with a Membership Form and payment at least one week before the program.
First course: $200 | Subsequent courses: $180
Junior Membership ($90) is required to join the program
Water Sports for Everyone
Start Windsurfing
Our Start Windsurfing courses are open to both Junior Sailors and adults, offering a fun introduction to the sport. Using our Bic WindSUPs, you’ll learn to sail upwind and downwind, tack and gybe, and perform a self-rescue — all in a supportive, safe environment.
Courses are usually held on Saturday afternoons (dates announced based on interest).
Cost: $175
RYC membership required (6-Day-Visit Adult Membership $120).
Start Wing-Foiling and Foiling Lab
Our Start Wing-Foiling and Foiling Lab courses are open to both Junior Sailors and adults, offering an exciting introduction to this fast-growing water sport. Using our wing-foiling boards and a range of wings suited to different conditions, students will learn the skills needed to glide across the water with confidence.
Courses are typically held on Saturday afternoons, with dates announced based on interest.
Course cost
Learn to Wing / Wing-Foil: $180 each
Foil Lab: $150
RYC membership required (6-Day-Visit Adult Membership $120)
Standup Paddle Boarding
Standup Paddleboard lessons will be run from time to time depending on interest.
Powerboat Courses
Rye Yacht Club offers hands-on courses to get you confidently on the water:
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Powerboat Handling Course is a full day of practical on water experience. Australian Sailing has developed an online program which covers some of the theory you need to know to get your boat license. Powerboat Program Essential Skills Course must be completed first.
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Safety Boat Operator Course is a one-day course on the water. The course takes one day to complete and covers rescue techniques for various types of boats and other watercraft.
To enrol, complete the relevant form below and return it with payment to the Club.
Course costs
Powerboad Handling Certificate: $120
Safety Boat Operator Course: $120
RYC membership required
(6-Day-Visit Adult Membership $120)
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