FAQ’s
OUR MISSION
At Queensland Cruising Yacht Club we want the kids to come down and enjoy themselves, not be bored and most importantly return home with a sense of achievement. We work hard to ensure that every child is happy, learns new skills, gain confidence on the water, makes new friends and has lots and lots of fun all the time in a safe and secure environment.
SAFETY
We are an Australian Sailing registered school and as such we adhere to strict safety guidelines and ratios. Buoyancy aids are provided and MUST be worn for all activities on or near the water. Safety cover is provided on the water at all times. Our safety standard are inspected annually by external authorities.
STAFF
The schools biggest asset is its staff. As well as possessing a high level of qualifications, you will find polite, efficient, professional and enthusiastic staff at all times who are all keen to have fun out on the water.
COURSE SYLLABUS
Basic boat handling skills
Safety equipment and clothing
Rigging & preparing a boat
Ropework and basic knots
Sailing techniques, tacking
Rescue Procedures, towing
Launching & recovery
Sailing Theory, no go zone
Wind aware, tides & currents
EQUIPMENT
The Queensland Cruising Yacht Clubs fleet of dinghies allow us to adapt to conditions as they happen. The majority of the course will be in Optimists, a dinghy specifically designed for kids to make learning easier. We also have large dinghies which can carry multiple children should we need to.
ENROLMENT
All courses are subject to our sailing school terms & conditions. Online Booking forms must be completed prior to any booking confirmation.
All Prices includes GST
HOW TO ENROL
Fill in the online booking form – you can then pay via bank transfer or give us a call and we can process your credit card over the phone.
WHAT AGE GROUP DOES THE PROGRAM CATER FOR?
The youngest we can take is 7 and the oldest is 14.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?
Yes your child has to be able to swim. It doesn’t matter how good their swimming ability is, but there have to be able to stay afloat without any swimming aid, meaning non swimmers are not able to participate in any water sport activity.
WE RECOMMEND YOU TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:
- Board shorts and rash/lycra tops are popular to wear over the swimming costumes.
- If the kids already have any watersports kit i.e. wetsuits, buoyancy aids, they are welcome to bring them along, just make sure that you name them to avoid confusion!
- Long sleeve tops have the added bonus of sun protection
- Bring a plastic bag to put the wet gear in for the trip home.
- Good packed lunch and a snack for morning and afternoon tea
- Warm clothing to change into
- Sun hat for protection.
- High Factor Sun cream/sun block
- Sun glasses – MUST be fitted with a secure strap
- Water bottle – we can then refill with water if necessary throughout the day
- Logbooks if you have any
- Please note that space area is limited, and we advise you to keep your bags to a minimum
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
What if it’s windy? What if a storm comes over? What if it’s just not a nice day to go sailing?
We can’t always predict the weather, that’s just totally out of our control! We do have a plan; kids love to get wet, so even if it’s raining, 9 times out of 10 we will still get out on the water. If it’s windy, and by windy we mean 20 knots, then we usually change our sailing area, as it ensures we are always in protected waters. We might get the instructors to offer ‘joy rides’ to the kids to ensure that the kids get some time on the water with an instructor on-board the boat with them.
And the storms? We monitor the weather forecast daily, so if there is a storm approaching, or if there is a warning in place (either strong wind, gale force, or storm warning), then it’s pretty safe to say that we won’t be going onto the water. If there is lightning around, we are guaranteed to stay off the water – in these situations we bring the learning inside where activities inclusding knot tying, and theory will be taught- at all times safety is our main priority.
WHAT IF I HAVE ENROLLED MY CHILD INTO THE PROGRAM BUT THEY CAN’T ATTEND BECAUSE THEY HAVE FALLEN SICK?
Unfortunately, we cannot refund for any cancellation non-attendance at the course.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS AVAILABLE?
We provide every child a buoyancy aid to wear out on the water.
FOOD AND HYDRATION
Please make sure that kids are well-fed & hydrated, particularly as they will be very active during the session. The Bar and Resturant will be open for end of session snacks and drinks.
SUNBURN
The pupil’s kit list advises kids to bring sun cream and sun block. It is recommended that you bring a higher factor sun cream than they usually use, because they will be tanned by direct sunlight, reflected sunlight and wind-burn. PLEASE brief your kids to reapply sunscreen and be aware that they are out in the sun. Wear a hat and get a clip to tie it onto the buoyancy aid.
INSTRUCTOR RATIOS
As a registered Sailing School we operate within instructor ratios out on the water. The ratio is between 1:6 and 1:9 depending on the age group and dinghies used. This ratio is well below the minimum guidelines laid down.
Please be aware that the kids will be in the boats with others in their groups – instructors may be in some boats but also alongside in rescue boats.
FINDING US
Queensland Cruising Yacht Club is located in Sinbad Street, Shorncliffe on the banks of Cabbage Tree Creek.
Dinghy courses operate out of the Training Shed. As you enter the Club through the pedestrian gates, turn right and you will find the green shed at the far end of the site.
KEEPING THE PARENTS ENTERTAINED
The Bar and Restaurant will be open so parents are welcome to enjoy a coffee or meal.
