Keelboat Level 1 sailing course in False Bay
Your first step into keelboat sailing: a 2-day beginner course at sea, from Gordons Bay Yacht Club in the north-east corner of False Bay. No experience needed. Level 1 is the first of four levels that together make up the Competent Crew qualification.
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 1 is a 2-day beginner sailing course that costs R1,895 per person at Gordons Bay Yacht Club in False Bay.
- 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
- Experience needed: None. Level 1 is for complete beginners and anyone new to keelboats.
- Qualification: Level 1 is the first of four levels; completing Levels 1 to 4 earns the Competent Crew qualification
- Curriculum: World Sailing curriculum, taught by certified instructors, with a certificate of competence
- 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
Complete beginners, and anyone new to keelboats.
The boats
Our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats.
What comes next
Levels 2, 3 and 4 to complete Competent Crew, then race training.
What you will learn on Level 1
- Safety on the water
- Wind awareness: reading where the wind is coming from
- The parts of the boat and its rigging
- Basic boat controls: helm, sheets and sails
- Port and starboard right of way
- The principles of momentum
- Loading and operating a winch
- The principles of reefing sails
- Beating upwind and tacking
- Controlling your speed
- Securing a boat to the jetty
- Basic sailing knots
Level 1 dates and prices
Book online with a 60% deposit. The balance is due 7 days before your course starts.
- 10/10/2026 – 11/10/2026R1,895 per person
- 14/11/2026 – 15/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 13/02/2027 – 14/02/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 17/04/2027 – 18/04/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
Where Level 1 leads
Each level builds on the one before. After Level 1, move on to Level 2, then Levels 3 and 4. Completing all four levels earns you the Competent Crew qualification, and opens the way to keelboat race training. Prefer to learn one-to-one? Private keelboat lessons are available on dates that suit you.
The four keelboat levels
- Level 1 (this course): 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: boat speed, sail trim and an introduction to racing
All adult and family keelboat courses →
Under 18? See our youth keelboat course →
Sailing in False Bay
Good to know
Do I need any experience?
No. Level 1 is for complete beginners and anyone new to keelboats.
What is Competent Crew?
Competent Crew is the qualification you earn by completing all four keelboat levels with us. Level 1 is the first step, and each level is a 2-day course.
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.
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.
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.
Can I book with friends or family?
Yes. Choose the number of students when you book. Book three or more family members onto the same course and the third and each further person gets 10% off.
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.