DINGHY SAILING
BLAIRGOWRIE YACHT SQUADRON
DISCOVER DINGHY SAILING
Learn to sail, build confidence and get on the water
Whether you’re completely new to sailing or looking to develop your skills, our adult dinghy courses are a practical, social and enjoyable way to learn.
BYS is an Accredited Discover Sailing Centre, with experienced Australian Sailing qualified instructors providing a safe and supportive environment to help you build your sailing skills and confidence.
If you would like to chat about any of the courses offered, simply call the Sailing Office on 03 5925 9620.
LEARN TO SAIL DINGHIES
About our Dinghy Courses
Our adult dinghy courses provide a pathway from learning the basics through to developing your skills and getting involved in racing.
- Learn by doing: Spend plenty of time on the water developing practical sailing skills.
- Experienced instructors: Learn from Australian Sailing qualified instructors who will help you progress in a safe and supportive environment.
- Small groups: Learn alongside other adults with a similar level of experience.
- Everything you need is provided: BYS provides the boats and lifejackets.
- Build confidence: Develop practical skills and sailing knowledge at your own pace.
- A pathway to keep sailing: Join a dinghy fleet, participate in Club racing and continue developing your skills.
Dinghy sailing can be a wet and active experience, so participants should be comfortable getting wet and bring clothing and footwear suitable for sailing. A wetsuit is ideal, particularly in cooler weather.
BYS provides the boats and lifejackets.
Why learn at BYS?
BYS is a welcoming place to learn to sail, with experienced sailors who enjoy helping new sailors develop their skills.
Our instructors focus on practical learning, building confidence and making sure you enjoy your time on the water. Whether your goal is to sail socially, develop your skills or eventually race, we’ll help you take the next step.
Dinghy or Keelboat?
Not sure which type of sailing is right for you? Both are great ways to get on the water, but the experience is quite different.
Dinghy sailing is active and hands-on. You’re directly involved in handling a small, responsive boat, developing your sailing and boat-handling skills. Expect to get wet!
Keelboat sailing is a team experience. You’ll sail a larger J/70 sportsboat, learning different roles on board and developing your skills as part of a crew.
Prefer teamwork and a bigger boat? Check out our [Keelboat Sailing courses →]
Want a hands-on, active sailing experience? You’re in the right place!
Still not sure? Contact the Sailing Office if you’d like help choosing the right place to start.
Start Sailing 1: A great place to start if you’ve never sailed before. Learn the fundamentals of sailing, boat handling and safety while gaining confidence on the water.
Start Sailing 2: Build on the skills you’ve developed in Start Sailing 1 and become more confident and capable handling a sailing dinghy.
Better Sailing: Take your sailing skills further. Develop your boat handling, sailing technique and understanding of how to sail more effectively.
Ready to give racing a go? Learn the skills and knowledge you need to get started in dinghy racing and put your sailing skills into practice.

Ready for more?
Learning to sail is just the beginning. Build your skills, gain confidence and find your place on the water at BYS.
Start Sailing 1 → Start Sailing 2 → Better Sailing → Start Racing → Club Racing → and beyond!
Whether you want to race, sail socially or simply keep improving your skills, there are plenty of ways to keep sailing at BYS.
UPCOMING COURSES
Ready to get on the water?
Course bookings are open throughout the year. Check out our upcoming courses and find a date that works for you.
Dinghy – Start Sailing 1
course coming soon
course coming soon
Dinghy – Start Sailing 2
course coming soon
course coming soon
Dinghy – Better Sailing
course coming soon
Registering for a course
Please register using your own details.
If you already have an Australian Sailing number, you’ll need this during registration. If you don’t have one, select Sign Up → New Member and enter your details. You’ll receive your Australian Sailing number by email.
Please check the individual course listing for any prerequisites before registering.
You can search for existing Australian Sailing numbers online.
Child Safeguarding
We are committed to sport environments that are safe, supportive and friendly for children and young people. We have zero tolerance for any behaviours that put the well-being of children and young people at risk. All employees that will work with Children undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.
Dinghy courses are full?
If the course you’d like to attend is fully booked, you can join our Dinghy Sailing Waiting List.
We’ll contact people on the waiting list if a suitable place becomes available. Joining the waiting list does not guarantee a place.