Ladies, brush up your boating skills

As part of the Women on Water program at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, ladies can take part in one of the FREE basic skills training courses, conducted by the experts at Sunshine Sailing Australia.

The hour introductory sessions will suit absolute beginners and those who want to refresh their boating skills.

As John Bankart from Sunshine Sailing Australia explains: “We have designed these sessions for women to raise their awareness, learn the basics and, if they find they like it and it’s useful, perhaps follow up with a formal training course.”

Based at Mooloolaba, Sunshine Sailing Australia conducts courses for every level, endorsed as part of the RYA yacht cruising scheme, certified by the MCA, and recognised worldwide.

“If you complete some of these tickets, you can charter or skipper a yacht anywhere in the world, depending on the level of certification you achieve,” says John, who will be in charge of the training.

John’s background means he is superbly equipped to deliver the training sessions. He has been in the industry full time for 20 years, instructing and working as a delivery skipper, white boat Captain, racing yachts around the world – even holding the Non-Stop Round Australia record for 1999.

No matter where you are in the country, or overseas, John and his team of four can accomodate your training needs. “That’s anything from inshore and offshore and ocean sailing, whether it’s your hobby or your career,” he says.”

Of the boat show sessions, John is positive women will find them interesting and useful. “I hope the ladies take away the basic and are inspired to learn more. The topics we are covering are achievable. These introductory courses will give women the confidence and skills to feel more involved onboard and enjoy their boating more!”

Topics include: Safety equipment, Knots, Points of sail, Basic give way rules, Weather, MOB – man overboard and Communication. Sessions run daily (Thursday 24 to Sunday 27), 11am – 12 noon and 2pm – 3pm. Attendance will be capped at six per session. To book your berth on one of these sessions, email boatshow@sanctuarycove.com

Visit www.learn2sail.com.au for details of all our RYA/YA courses, sailing adventures and yacht charters options.