FREQUENTLT ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have to be a member to participate in training courses?
No, courses are open to members of the public who are deemed to be temporary members for the duration of the course. Should you or your children wish to become members of the Club, an Information pack is available from the Membership Services Officer on 08 9384 9100 or by email membership@rfbyc.asn.au
Joining the Club will open up a range of options including use of the extensive facilities, ability to chartering a Club boat, access and support from Club coaches and the ability to participate in Club racing.
How do I book in for a course?
1. Obtain an enrolment form available on the Club website; or
2. From the display box on the Junior Clubhouse wall; or
3. From the main Office in the Senior Club House; or
4. Phone the Club receptionist on 08 9384 9100 and ask to be posted one
Return the completed form together with appropriate fee to:
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
PO Box 373
Cottesloe WA 6911
What should participants bring?
It is recommended that participants bring with them:
1 Warm clothing e.g. jumper and spray jacket or wet suit
2 Hat and sunscreen
3 A healthy snack and a drink
4 Towel and change of clothes
5 We also suggest that participants bring with them old sandshoes/ sneakers or rubber sailing boots, gloves and sunglasses
What type of boats are used and how many sail on each?
For dinghy courses, the Club uses Optimist and Pacer dinghies - the Optimist is designed as a single handed boat for children up to 16 years of age but for learning purposes, Instructors may place two or more children in a boat depending on the specific exercise. The Pacer is raced with a crew of two but for training, a crew of three is preferred particularly if children are small.
For keelboat crewing courses, the Club has a fleet of 8 metre Bakewell White designed keelboats. The hulls are modern sports boat style with open cockpits and large level working area. Sail area can be reduced depending on weather conditions and a deep bulb keel provides stability. For training courses, each crew comprises one specialist Keelboat Instructor and either 5 to 6 course participants.
Does the course follow a syllabus?
Yachting Australia log book courses such as Basic Skills 1 and 2, Better Sailing, Racing Skills and National Powerboat Proficiency Course have a detailed syllabus contained in the GISBS and Power Boat Instructors Manuals and summarised in the course log book. Each course syllabus clearly spells out the practical and theoretical components which participants must comprehend/display a level of competence.
Little Tackers is a fun introduction to sailing for young children and as such, shore based and on-water activities are governed by abilities and prevailing weather conditions. The emphasis is on having fun in a safe and non-threatening environment.
What is the minimum age for participants?
As a guide, 6 is the preferred minimum age for Little Tackers however confidence, swimming ability and comprehension are more important factors.
For log book courses, enrolments are welcome from children 7 years and above.
What is the maximum age for participants?
Age is not a barrier but physical condition is important. While there are courses aimed at adults, teenagers are welcome provided they are strong enough to wind winches, trim sheet ropes and handle a spinnaker pole. People with serious medical conditions such as back problems or heart complaints should seek advice from a medical practitioner before enrolling.
What safety precautions are there?
It is a pre-requisite of all courses that participants must be able to swim and be water confident. All participants must wear buoyancy vests or life jackets (Australian Standards approved) supplied by the Club when on the water. As part of the syllabus, participants are briefed on safety procedures and capsize drill before venturing on the water.
Instructors are first aid trained and an adequate number of Instructors are provided to closely supervise participants on and off the water. Sufficient coach boats are provided to support each course in case of emergencies.
Club Equipment and boats are regularly maintained in accordance with Yachting Australia and Government standards.
Detailed safety procedures and policies have been developed by the Club to ensure safety standards are maintained including restricting on-water activities during adverse wind and water conditions.
Are the instructors qualified?
All sailing and powerboat courses are supervised by a fully accredited Yachting Australia instructor. All Instructors conducting Yachting Australia log book courses are trained and accredited by Yachting Australia. Other ancillary courses eg Radio Operator Course, Recreational Skippers Certificate, are conducted by presenters fully accredited with the respective Government Department.
What happens at the end of the course?
Depending on the course, participants will receive a course completion certificate or a YA Log Book and registration.
The Training Coordinator will be available to discuss individual needs and sailing pathways.
Can my child sail with his or her friend?
Yes on a Pacer, however the decision is left to the Instructor to select sailors into crews depending on ability, combined weight/prevailing wind conditions, confidence and behaviour.
The Optimist is designed as a single handed boat but for learning purposes, Instructors may place two children in a boat. The Instructor will endeavour to pair friends together however final decision will depend on the factors listed for Pacers above.
Who can I contact for further information?
You can contact the Training Coordinator Barry Martin by phone on 08 9384 9100 during business hours or by email training@rfbyc.asn.au
Do I need to be a member to join a crew and sail on a Thursday or Saturday afternoon?
Not initially, casual crew are always welcome and with the experience and knowledge gained from a crewing course, are much in demand. Should you become a regular member of a crew, there is a crew membership category Sailing Affiliate available. For details contact the Membership Services Manager by phone on 08 9384 9100 or by email membership@rfbyc.asn.au
If I have concerns or need more information, who can I talk to?
You can contact the Training Coordinator Barry Martin by phone on 08 9384 9100 during business hours or by email training@rfbyc.asn.au
GIFT CERTIFICATES
A great way to give someone a unique present. By purchasing an gift certificate for a friend, loved one or work colleague, you provide them with an opportunity to experience the joys of sailing, not just as a passenger but as a hands on participant. Certificates can entitle the bearer to join a scheduled learn to sail or powerboat course or can be tailored to individual needs, one-on-one lessons with a specialist Instructor.
Simply Telephone the Club office on 08 9384 9100, ask for the Training coordinator and discuss your needs. The Club will arrange a personally addressed gift certificate for presentation to the lucky recipient.
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