Powerboating
BLAIRGOWRIE YACHT SQUADRON
DISCOVER POWERBOATING
Build confidence and skills on the water
Powerboating is an important skill for anyone who wants to confidently and safely operate a powerboat. It’s also a great way to become more involved in sailing at BYS, whether you’re interested in supporting Club racing, helping with training and on-water activities, or planning to become a sailing instructor.
Our practical courses are delivered by experienced Australian Sailing qualified instructors, with a focus on building real-world skills and confidence on the water.
BYS is an Accredited Discover Sailing Centre, providing a safe and supportive environment to develop your powerboating skills.
If you would like to chat about any of the courses offered, simply call the Sailing Office on 03 5925 9620.
LEARN TO POWERBOAT
About our Powerboat Courses
Our powerboat courses are practical and hands-on, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills on the water under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Whether you’re looking to improve your general powerboat handling or want to develop the skills needed to support sailing activities, powerboating can open up a range of opportunities to get more involved on the water at BYS.
Powerboat courses are practical and take place on the water, so participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. We recommend bringing a warm, waterproof jacket and wet-weather pants if you have them, along with comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and secure, non-slip footwear suitable for use on a boat. Don’t forget sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
BYS provides the boats and required safety equipment. Participants must have a Victorian marine licence or an applicable interstate marine licence.
Why learn at BYS
BYS is a great place to develop your powerboating skills, with experienced Australian Sailing qualified instructors who focus on practical learning, building confidence and safe boat handling. You’ll learn on the water using BYS boats and equipment, in a supportive environment where you can develop skills that are useful for recreational boating and also open up opportunities to become more involved in Club racing, training and other on-water activities.
Course Overview
The Powerboat Handling course designed to introduce you to practical driving skills, trip planning, boat maintenance and safety equipment knowledge. It will help improve your boat handling abilities, especially in confined areas such as marinas, and in challenging conditions like swell and waves.
This course is ideal for individuals looking to develop their powerboat driving skills, such as recreational boaters or race day volunteers. It is also a prerequisite for those aiming to become a Dinghy and/or Windsurfing Instructor.
Course Prerequisites
Water confident. The skills and knowledge gained in Start Powerboating or equivalent powerboating experience. The minimum age is 12 years. Must have a marine licence.
Before attending the face-to-face course, you must have completed the Powerboat Program Essential Skills eLearning Course. You can access the course via the Australian Sailing Learning Centre in your Australian Sailing profile. Log in here
Course Outcome
This is a one-day intensive course, with participants receiving their Powerboat Handling certificate on completion.
Cost
$281.02, inclusive of $21.02 Australian Sailing fee
$211.02, inclusive of $21.02 Australian Sailing fee – discounted for BYS members.
Course Overview
The Safety Boat Operator course is designed for individuals with a desire to be in charge of a safety boat, particularly those who wish to assist their clubs or associations with the control and support of racing programs and other training courses. During this Course you will acquire the skills necessary to operate a safety boat and assist with various water-based activities. You’ll also learn about racecourse design, practice on-water rescues of dinghies, and develop techniques to support kite surfers and kayaks.
This course is intended for individuals who wish to assist their club as a safety boat operator. It is also a prerequisite for obtaining the Club Coach qualification.
Course Prerequisites
Participants should be confident in the water and have the skills and knowledge gained from the Powerboat Handling course or equivalent powerboating experience. The minimum age requirement is 16 years; you must possess a marine licence.
Before attending the face-to-face course, you must have completed the Powerboat Program Essential Skills eLearning Course. You can access the course via the Australian Sailing Learning Centre in your Australian Sailing profile. Log in here
Course Outcome
This is a one-day intensive course, with participants gaining their Safety Boat Operator certificate upon completion.
Cost
$280, inclusive of $20 Australian Sailing fee.
$210, inclusive of $20 Australian Sailing fee – discounted for BYS members.
Powerboating can open up all sorts of opportunities to become more involved in sailing at BYS.
Learn → Volunteer on the water with BYS → Become a sailing instructor → Support Club, State & National racing → and beyond!
You can build your skills and experience as you go, taking on new opportunities as your confidence grows. Whether you’d like to volunteer, support sailing courses, become a sailing instructor or help deliver major racing events, your powerboating skills can help you play an important role on the water at BYS.
If you’re interested in developing your skills further or becoming more involved as a volunteer, our Sailing Office can help you find opportunities that match your interests and experience.
UPCOMING COURSES
Ready to get on the water?
Check out our upcoming Powerboat courses and find a date that works for you.
Powerboat Handling
course coming soon
course coming soon
Safety Boat Operator
course coming soon
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.
Powerboat courses are full?
If the course you’d like to attend is fully booked, you can join our Powerboat Courses 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.