TRAINING

Small Boat Sailing Basic Skills 1 & 2 (School Holidays)  
Course 3/2008
Tuesday 30th September toFriday 3rd October 2008 (9.00am to 1.00pm each day)

Course 4/2008
Monday 6th to Friday 10th October 2008 (9.00am to 12.00 noon each day)

Download Application Form

Wednesday Club (Novice Sailing)
Course 2/2008
Wednesday 15th October
Wednesday 22nd October
Wednesday 29th October
Wednesday 5th November
Wednesday 12th November
Wednesday 19th November
Wednesday 26th November
Wednesday 3rd December
Wednesday 10th December
Wednesday 17th December

Small boat sailing Basic Skills 1 & 2 (School Holidays)
Every school holidays we run sailing programs. This is a fun and exciting way to spend the holidays. Open to kids from 8-16yrs. The aim of the course is to reach Basic Skills 2 competency in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Monday to Friday (9am-12noon each day) 

Wednesday Club (Novice Sailing)
Designed for kids aged 8-16 years. Novice sailing is conducted each week during school term and can be started at any time during the year. Weekly sailing classes work through the YA syllabus. Classes are conducted in both Pacers & Pelicans. A great stepping stone to get your kids into regular racing and best of all the first session is free!!
Wednesdays 4pm-6pm (school term only)

Competent Crew Course (J24 Keelboats)
The competent crew course is designed to take beginners and teach them to be a valued crew member. This is a great way to start your sailing career if you prefer the bigger boats. The 7.2m fixed keel yachts are sailed with a crew of four and an instructor on each boat. The role of the instructor is to train and assist the crew in all aspects of sailing the boat including steering. By the end of the course participants should be able to set and trim sails, communicate and work as a team, and steer the boat in a variety of conditions.
Saturdays 9.00am-12.00 noon (5wks)

The Youth Development Squad aims to develop the skills & knowledge of both junior & youth sailors within the South of Perth Yacht Club. Being part of the Youth Squad will offer access to additional regular training and the opportunity to compete in regattas that otherwise may not be so readily available. Team selection will be based equally on the skills, commitment, team work and enthusiasm of each individual. Representative teams in match racing, teams racing & fleet racing are chosen from the Youth Development Squad.

For a more detailed outline email training@sopyc.com.au

Download Youth Squad Enrolment Form

Disciplines available through the SoPYC Sailing Academy.

Match Racing

A match race consists of two identical boats racing against each other. This one-on-one duel is a game of strategy, tactics and teamwork.

The Course

Boats sail a windward/leeward course with a downwind finish. Races are approximately 20 minutes long.

The Start

The two boats (each flying either a blue or a yellow flag) enter the start area from opposite ends of the starting line four minutes prior to the start. The boats will engage in pre-start manoeuvres, in which each one will try to gain advantage over the other. The aim is to make the other boat cross the line early or to start in front of the other boat. The yacht which crosses the starting line first has the advantage.

The Race

The trailing yacht will tack to gain clear air; this usually results in a tacking duel. If the boats are even coming off the starting line each uses boat speed and tactics to get an advantage over the other. On the downwind leg, if the trailing boat is close enough it has the opportunity to block the wind and slow their opponent. The lead boat must work to keep its air clear while positioning itself between the trailing boat and the next mark.

Umpiring

When a foul is allegedly committed the umpire boat will fly one of the following flags: blue - the blue boat is penalised, yellow - the yellow boat is penalised, or green - there is no penalty. The penalised boat may complete its penalty turn at any time during the race prior to crossing the finishing line. If a boat receives three penalties, it is disqualified and the race is over.

Team Racing

The recognised format for teams racing involves racing on two handed dinghies. Boats are provided by the organisers to ensure that they are evenly matched. There are two teams of three boats; each team is with the goal to achieve a winning combination of places and the lowest score. The scoring system usually is as follows: 1st - 1 point, 2nd - 2 points, 3rd - 3 points etc...

The Race

If one of the teams lays 1st, 4th and 6th, the leading boat will go back and try to help its team-mates improve their positions. In team racing there are two main ways to achieve this. Firstly, the boat can be positioned between the wind and its opponent, thus blanketing its sails and slowing it down. Secondly, it can use the rules to its advantage by approaching the opponent in such a way that its adversary has to change course or incur a penalty. Both of the above weapons are deployed even before the start when the pre-start manoeuvres begin.

Umpiring

If protested against, a competitor can accept the penalty of a 360 degree turn or he can wait for the umpires to make a decision, which in turn may result in either a green flag (no penalty) or a 720 degree turn if the protest is upheld. Everything happens very quickly and there is no better school to enhance tactical decision making as well as to better understand the rules.

Our mission is to promote and develop the sport of sailing and to ensure the continuing development of the sport. As a result, continuing emphasis is placed on junior athlete development. Whether your child wants to sail for fun or beat the world, the South of Perth Yacht Club can provide the perfect launch pad.

Sailing Academy courses are not only for kids. We run courses for all ages from 8-80yrs.  There are a number of options available for adults depending on your level of experience. If you have never tried sailing before it's a great way to enjoy Perth's beautiful waterways and meet new people.

The South of Perth Yacht Club Sailing Academy offers a fully resourced, quality, professional organisation which can provide the full range of educational and instructional services. Their sailing fleet inlcudes Pacer dinghies (7) and J24 class yachts (4), along with establishment of administration and support facilities, training equipment, support boats and other necessary resources. The Sailing Academy is a Yachting Australia accredited and offers courses in both sailing and power boating. For more information call 9364 5844 or email training@sopyc.com.au