'Off-the-Beach' Dinghy Programs for Teens (13+) and Adults

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Off-the-beach dinghy sailing is an exciting and active way to learn, but it does require a certain level of agility and fitness — especially when it comes to recovering from a capsize, which is a common part of learning.
If you think getting back on board in open water might be a challenge, we recommend exploring our upcoming Keelboat program. These larger, more stable boats are less physically demanding, don’t capsize under normal conditions, and provide more space and comfort — making them a great choice for those seeking a more relaxed introduction to sailing. 

At Fraser Coast Sailing Academy, we follow the Australian Sailing Curriculum, starting with three Learn-to-Sail (LTS) courses and progressing to three Learn-to-Race courses. Currently, our focus is on beginner-level training, as most of our participants are in the early stages of their sailing journey. As you'll discover, it takes time for your body to respond the way your mind intends — developing coordination and confidence comes with practice! You’ll have the chance to build those skills at our social sailing days, held in partnership with the Maryborough Sailing Club. 

 We use a fleet of Pacers to teach our sailing courses — stable, reliable boats ideal for learning. On non-course weekends, these same boats are generally available to rent at the Maryborough Sailing Club for just $30 a session. We encourage you to get out on the water and practice as often as you can — because as they say, perfect practice makes perfect! 

This first course covers the absolute basics of sailing. You’ll learn to identify the parts of the boat, how to rig and launch, how to turn and retrieve, and how to recover from a capsize — something you might experience a few times early on in your sailing journey (and that’s totally normal!). 

Building on the foundations of LTS 1, this course helps you grow your confidence and control in stronger winds and more efficient sailing angles. The goal is to prepare you for participating in club sailing and making the most of your time on the water. 

This course introduces you to the basics of sailing in races — how exciting! By this stage, you might even have your own boat. Some of the best sailing adventures come from travelling to regattas, connecting with like-minded people, and enjoying both the competition and the camaraderie. If that sounds like your kind of future, this course is for you. 

If you'd like more practice but don’t feel confident sailing with another beginner, you can book one of our instructors for one-on-one private lessons. These sessions are tailored to your needs and have proven to fast-track learning — because, as we like to say, only perfect practice makes perfect! Adults often learn differently from children, so private coaching is a great way to avoid picking up bad habits early on. If you’re interested in focused, flexible support, get in touch — we’re here to help with whatever you need.