How much do sailing lessons cost?
Our 2-day sailing courses cost R1,895 per person, whether you learn a dinghy or Hobie on Theewaterskloof Dam or a keelboat at sea in False Bay. Youth sailing camps cost R3,495 for 4 days with accommodation and meals, and private lessons cost R3,495 a day.
All our courses are accredited and taught to the World Sailing curriculum by qualified instructors. Below are the prices for every course we run, what each one includes, and how booking and payment work.
Family discount: 10% off the third and each further family member booked onto the same course.
Theewater Sports Club: dinghy and Hobie courses
On Theewaterskloof Dam near Villiersdorp, about an hour and a half from Cape Town. Weekend courses include a bed in the bunk house or camping.
| Course | Length | Price | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family/adult dinghy or Hobie weekend | 2 days | R1,895 per person | Bunk house or camping |
| Dinghy or Hobie holiday course | 3 days | R2,495 per person | Bunk house or camping |
| Youth dinghy sailing camp (from 9 years) | 4 days | R3,495 per child | Supervised bunk house and all meals |
| Dinghy and Hobie race training | 2 days | R2,195 per person | For sailors who can already handle the boat |
| Private dinghy or Hobie lesson | 1 day | R3,495 | 2 or 3 days on request |
| School sailing camp (10+ learners) | 3 to 5 days | R1,350 to R2,050 per learner | Camping and all meals |
Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club: keelboat courses at sea
In False Bay, about 50 minutes from Cape Town. Courses are sailed on our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats.
| Course | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keelboat Level 1 to Level 4 | 2 days per level | R1,895 per person per level | All four levels (R7,580) earn Competent Crew |
| Keelboat race training, Levels 1 and 2 | 2 days each | R2,195 per person | After Level 4 |
| Youth keelboat course (from 9 years) | 3 days | R2,495 per person | For young sailors coming without a parent |
| Private keelboat lesson | 1 day | R3,495 | 2 or 3 days on request |
Working towards Competent Crew? See yachting courses near Cape Town.
Boat rental and gift vouchers
Boat rental at Theewater
Once you can sail confidently, rent a Topper Topaz from R995 a day or a Hobie 16 for R1,495 a day, when the boats are free. Boat rental prices →
Sailing gift vouchers
Vouchers of R500, R1,000, R1,895 (one person on a 2-day course) or R3,790 (two people), valid for 3 years on any course. Buy a gift voucher →
Booking and payment
- 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. Bookings made within those 7 days are paid in full.
- Book three or more family members onto the same course and the third and each further person gets 10% off, applied automatically.
- Cancel more than 60 days before your course for a full refund less a 15% admin fee, or 30 to 60 days before for a 50% refund. There is no refund less than 30 days before.
- If we cancel because of the weather, we offer you a transfer to another date.
Full details are in our terms and conditions.
Good to know
How much do sailing lessons cost near Cape Town?
A 2-day beginner course costs R1,895 per person. That covers a family or adult dinghy or Hobie weekend at Theewater, or Keelboat Level 1 at Gordon’s Bay, about 50 minutes from Cape Town.
What is included in the course price?
Instruction from qualified instructors, the boat, life jackets and safety equipment, and a certificate of competence for the skills you show. Weekend courses at Theewater include a bed in the bunk house or camping, and youth camps include all meals.
How long does it take to learn to sail?
Most students are sailing a dinghy or Hobie on their own in light to moderate wind by the end of a 2-day weekend course. At sea, the four keelboat levels to Competent Crew take 8 days on the water.
Is there a discount for families?
Yes. When three or more family members book the same course, the third and each further person gets 10% off their course fee.
Can I pay another way than by card online?
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 give a sailing course as a gift?
Yes. Our gift vouchers can be used for any course and are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.