Learn to sail near Stellenbosch, Somerset West & Franschhoek
If you live in the Helderberg or the Winelands, both of our venues are close to home. Gordons Bay Yacht Club is about 15 minutes from Somerset West and 30 minutes from Stellenbosch, and Theewater Sports Club on Theewaterskloof Dam is about 45 minutes from Franschhoek over the pass.
Choose keelboat sailing at sea in False Bay, or dinghy and Hobie sailing on the dam. Every course is accredited, beginners are welcome, and families can learn together.
Family discount: 10% off the third and each further family member booked onto the same course.
The Helderberg’s yacht club
Gordons Bay Yacht Club, in the north-east corner of False Bay.
Over the mountain
Theewater Sports Club on Theewaterskloof Dam, near Villiersdorp.
Weekdays too
Keelboat training at Gordons Bay runs through the week as well as on scheduled weekends.
All ages
Youth camps and courses, adult courses and family weekends.
How far is it?
| From | Gordons Bay (keelboats) | Theewater (dinghies & Hobies) |
|---|---|---|
| Somerset West | About 15 minutes | About 50 minutes |
| Stellenbosch | About 30 minutes | About 1 hour |
| Franschhoek | About 50 minutes | About 45 minutes, over the Franschhoek Pass |
Courses close to home
Keelboats at Gordons Bay
Keelboat Levels 1 to 4 (Competent Crew), race training, a youth course and private lessons on our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats. Being this close, private lessons can be arranged on weekdays to fit around work or school.
Adult and family keelboat courses →
Youth keelboat sailing courses →
Dinghies and Hobies at Theewater
Weekend courses for adults and families on Topper Topaz dinghies or Hobie 16 catamarans, plus youth holiday camps with accommodation and meals included.
Adult and family dinghy & Hobie weekends →
Youth dinghy sailing camps →
Upcoming courses
At Gordons Bay
- 10/10/2026 – 11/10/2026R1,895 per person
- 31/10/2026 – 01/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 14/11/2026 – 15/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 05/12/2026 – 06/12/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 16/01/2027 – 17/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 30/01/2027 – 31/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
Family and adult weekends at Theewater
- 17/10/2026 – 18/10/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 24/10/2026 – 25/10/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 07/11/2026 – 08/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 21/11/2026 – 22/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 19/12/2026 – 20/12/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 27/12/2026 – 29/12/2026R2,495 per person · R1,497 deposit to book
- 02/01/2027 – 03/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 23/01/2027 – 24/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 06/02/2027 – 07/02/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 27/02/2027 – 28/02/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 13/03/2027 – 14/03/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 10/04/2027 – 11/04/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 15/05/2027 – 16/05/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
Where you sail
Good to know
Can I sail in winter?
Yes. The north-east corner of False Bay is known for its winter sailing, and keelboat courses at Gordons Bay run through the year.
Can I have lessons on a weekday?
Yes. Private dinghy, Hobie and keelboat lessons are arranged on dates that suit you. Use the Request a date button on the lesson pages, or ask us below.
Do I need any sailing experience?
No. Our family and adult weekends and Keelboat Level 1 are for complete beginners. Race training and the higher keelboat levels are for sailors who have completed the earlier courses.
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.
How does booking work?
Choose a date 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.