Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you sail with us. Cannot find your answer? Ask us a question.
Courses
What is the minimum age for sailing courses?
It is more about maturity than age. As a guide, our youth courses and camps accept children from 9 years old. On family weekends there is no minimum age, because children sail with a parent or sibling looking after them.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You need to be able to stay afloat. Everyone wears a life jacket on the water, however well they swim.
Do I need any sailing experience?
No. Our family and adult weekends and Keelboat Level 1 are for beginners. Race training and the higher keelboat levels are for sailors who have already completed the earlier courses.
Which boats do you teach on?
Topper Topaz Race X dinghies and Hobie 16 catamarans at Theewater, and Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats at Gordons Bay.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Our training is accredited, and you earn SA Sailing Academy certificates of competence for the skills you show.
What should I bring?
A wetsuit or a waterproof, windproof jacket, a change of clothes suited to the season, and something warm for the evenings. If you are staying over, bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
Booking and payment
How does booking work?
Choose a date on the course page and pay a 60% deposit online to secure your place. We email you a link to pay the balance, which is due 7 days before your course starts. Bookings made within 7 days of the start are paid in full.
How can I pay?
Deposits and balances are paid online by card when you book. If you would prefer to pay another way, contact us before you book.
Can I book for more than one person?
Yes. Choose the number of students when you book, and enter each person’s details.
Do you offer a family discount?
Yes. When you book three or more family members onto the same course, the third and each further family member gets 10% off their course fee. Just tick “These students are family” when you choose the number of students, and the discount is applied automatically before you pay.
How do private lessons work?
Private lessons are arranged on dates that suit you. Use the Request a date button on the dinghy, Hobie or keelboat page and we will confirm a date with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel more than 60 days before your course starts, you get a full refund less a 15% admin fee. If you cancel 30 to 60 days before, you get a 50% refund. If you cancel less than 30 days before, there is no refund.
If we have to cancel because of weather, mechanical problems or force majeure, we offer you a transfer to another date. See our terms and conditions for full details.
What are your terms and conditions?
You can read our terms and conditions, including cancellations, before you book.
Staying over
Can I stay overnight at Theewater?
Yes. On weekend courses you can stay in our bunk house or camp if you bring a tent. Youth camps include supervised accommodation in the bunk house.
What about meals?
On weekend courses you can self-cater in the kitchen (fridge, microwave and kettle) or eat at the club restaurant. Youth camps include home-cooked meals and refreshments.
What facilities are there?
Free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, a tuck shop, heaters, TV, a games room, hair dryers and ablutions.
After your course
Can I rent a boat after my course?
Once you have reached a certain level of sailing ability, we are happy to rent out our equipment when we are not using it.