Learn to Sail Programme
Rotorua Yacht Club follows the Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail syllabus that is recognised by World Sailing. It runs for age groups, 10-14 years and teens and adults in Optimist and Laser yachts. So, sailors are not obligated to buy a boat before starting the course.
Each term a registration questionnaire canvases what days and times people are interested/available and then groups are set up.
We'll let you know groups as soon as possible, we can't always accommodate everyone as we need to juggle available boats, instructors and group size. Preference is given to people who can help run club activities and are flexible to attend on any day.
Typically the sessions have been run after school / work during the week 4:30pm to 7pm and on Sundays 12pm to 2pm.
The Term 4 lessons are half way through at time of writing with 3 groups. Registering some interest in our questionnaire with no obligation allows us to offer you options in Term 1 of 2026 over 8 weeks, starting week of Monday Feb 2, 2026.
Costs
Learn to Sail #1 is $99 plus annual membership fee (junior, adult, family). Boat hire is free for Level 1.
Learn to sail #2 is $149, $99 Learn to Sail fees and $50 boat hire (membership already paid at Level 1.
Membership fees
Junior $100
Adult $170
Family $240
Rotorua Yacht Club follows the Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail syllabus that is recognised by World Sailing. It runs for age groups, 10-14 years and teens and adults in Optimist and Laser yachts. So, sailors are not obligated to buy a boat before starting the course.
Each term a registration questionnaire canvases what days and times people are interested/available and then groups are set up.
We'll let you know groups as soon as possible, we can't always accommodate everyone as we need to juggle available boats, instructors and group size. Preference is given to people who can help run club activities and are flexible to attend on any day.
Typically the sessions have been run after school / work during the week 4:30pm to 7pm and on Sundays 12pm to 2pm.
The Term 4 lessons are half way through at time of writing with 3 groups. Registering some interest in our questionnaire with no obligation allows us to offer you options in Term 1 of 2026 over 8 weeks, starting week of Monday Feb 2, 2026.
Costs
Learn to Sail #1 is $99 plus annual membership fee (junior, adult, family). Boat hire is free for Level 1.
Learn to sail #2 is $149, $99 Learn to Sail fees and $50 boat hire (membership already paid at Level 1.
Membership fees
Junior $100
Adult $170
Family $240
For more information on the Yachting New Zealand Dinghy Learn to Sail programme, visit the link below.
