New to sailing

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If you are new to keelboat sailing and to Hobsons Bay Yacht Club (HBYC), here are a few notes to assist with your next steps. If you are an absolute adult beginner a great way to start might be our Adult Sail Training Program run by Michael Bradley, on our Club training boat ‘Esprit’.  

To get more involved there is a ‘’Crew Wanted’ page where our skippers advertise for crew. Most keelboat skippers are after crew so be encouraged to contact them to find out more about sailing opportunities.  In most cases no previous sailing experience is needed. 

If you are invited to crew in a race, you do not need to be a full or crew member (not Social) of HBYC or any other Sailing Club, but you will need buy a ‘Sail Pass for new/non members’.   

What to bring -

Summer

- Sunglasses, sun cream.

- A tight fitting hat with a drawstring or lanyard. 

- Non marking shoes with plenty of ‘grip’, a pair of Dunlop Volleys are ideal. 

- You could get wet, so it's always advisable to wear something that dries quickly such as synthetics, as you could get wet…

-A change of clothes can also be left at the club.  

Winter

In addition to the above, perhaps some warmer cloths such as a Polar fleece, explorer type socks, beanie etc. 

The best events for beginners across the sailing season might be the following - 

Summer (generally November - March) 

- Raine and Horne Thursday Twilight Sailing, usually held on a Thursday evening, you would need to be at the Club no later than 5:00pm 

- RM Smith Summer Pursuit Series usually held on a Sunday afternoon; you would need to be at the Club no later than 1:00pm 

Winter (generally May - August) 

- Brass Monkey Series which includes a pursuit race usually held every fortnight on a Saturday, you would need to be at the Club no later than 12:00pm 

You should always plan on getting to your skipper’s boat at least one hour before the start of any event. 

To plan for the race dates, you can also access the Club Calendar 

In all cases, it is advisable to check the weather forecast to understand the conditions. If you have agreed to sail on a boat perhaps confirm with your skipper who can tell you more. 

HBYC has a policy to never run events if the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have issued a GALE warning.   

For more information, please talk with your skipper, contact our office or email racing@hbyc.org.au