Keelboat Level 4 sailing course in False Bay
The final level to Competent Crew. Over two days at sea from Gordons Bay Yacht Club you learn to make the boat go faster, fine-tune the sails, and get your first taste of racing: the basic rules, the start and rounding a mark. You also learn to rig an emergency rudder and mast.
You sail on our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats with a qualified instructor, following the World Sailing curriculum. Each day has two 3-hour sessions of theory and practical sailing, and you earn a certificate of competence for the skills you show.
Family discount: 10% off the third and each further family member booked onto the same course.
Key facts
Keelboat Level 4 is a 2-day sailing course that costs R1,895 per person at Gordons Bay Yacht Club, and completes the Competent Crew qualification.
- Price: R1,895 per person
- Length: 2 days, with two 3-hour sessions of theory and practical sailing each day
- Venue: Gordons Bay Yacht Club, False Bay, Western Cape
- Boats: Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats
- Before you book: Complete Keelboat Level 3 first
- Covers: Sail trim and boat speed, basic racing rules, starts, mark rounding and jury rigging a rudder and mast
- Qualification: Completing Level 4 (after Levels 1 to 3) earns the Competent Crew qualification
- What comes next: Keelboat race training Level 1, then Level 2 (R2,195 per person, 2 days)
- Safety: Life jackets and safety equipment provided; you need to be able to stay afloat
- Booking: 60% deposit to book (R1,137); balance due 7 days before the course
- Family discount: 10% off the third and each further family member on the same course
Length
2 days, with two 3-hour sessions each day.
Who it is for
Sailors who have completed Keelboat Level 3.
The boats
Our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats.
What comes next
Your Competent Crew qualification, then keelboat race training.
What you will learn on Level 4
- Using the fundamentals of sailing to increase speed
- The basic racing rules of sailing
- The starting procedure
- Rounding a mark effectively
- Using tell tales to fine-tune your main and foresail
- Using the vang, outhaul and cunningham
- Jury rigging a rudder and mast
Level 4 dates and prices
Book online with a 60% deposit. The balance is due 7 days before your course starts.
- 30/01/2027 – 31/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
Where Level 4 leads
Completing Level 4 earns you the Competent Crew qualification. Want to keep going? Keelboat race training Level 1 and Level 2 build on what you learn here. See race training dates.
The four keelboat levels
- Level 1: safety, wind awareness, tacking, winches and knots
- Level 2: docking, moorings and man overboard under motor; gybing and heaving to
- Level 3: moorings, man overboard and anchoring under sail; reefing and changing the foresail
- Level 4 (this course): boat speed, sail trim and an introduction to racing
All keelboat courses and dates →
Under 18? See our youth keelboat course →
Sailing in False Bay
Good to know
Do I need to have done Level 3?
Yes. Level 4 completes the four-level Competent Crew programme, so you need Levels 1 to 3 first. If you have sailed keelboats elsewhere, ask us which level suits you.
Is Level 4 a racing course?
It introduces racing: the basic rules, starts and mark roundings, alongside sail trim and boat speed. Our race training courses go further once you have finished Level 4.
What is a jury rig?
A temporary fix that gets the boat home after damage, such as steering without a working rudder or setting up a makeshift mast.
Where is the course held?
At Gordons Bay Yacht Club, on the north-eastern shore of False Bay. Visitors are welcome to use the club bar and restaurant. More about the venue.
What should I bring?
A wetsuit or a waterproof, windproof jacket, a change of clothes suited to the season, and something warm. It is often cooler on the water than on land.
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.