Tauranga Yacht & Power Yacht Club (TYPBC), one of New Zealand’s top sailing clubs, has produced many New Zealand’s world, Olympic, and Americas Cup sailing champions, and many more who chose to pursue sailing as a life- long hobby.  Famous names such as Olympic and Americas Cup champion Peter Burling, 2021 World Laser champion Thomas Saunders, and Olympic bronze and silver medalists Sam and Molly Meech all spent their junior years growing up and sailing in Tauranga. Their success is attributed to the stunning sailing conditions prevailing on Tauranga harbor complemented by one of the best yacht club sites in New Zealand with expansive club rooms and spacious parking and rigging areas.  Tauranga is a safe, fun, and internationally renowned location for learning the art and science of sailing.      

TYPBC is committed to creating the next generation of both sailing champions and sailing lovers offering comprehensive and fun learn-to-sail and learn-to-race programs for children aged 8 to 15. We offer a clear path for children from 8 years + to learn to sail and race using equipment provided by TYPBC.  The learning process involves a mix of both team and individual sailing in Optimist and RS Quest dinghies covering water safety, learning to sail individually and as part of a team, rope work, and boat preparation & maintenance.    

No sailing experience is necessary, just an ability to swim 50m in a life jacket and have a bit of water confidence, but most importantly the desire to learn and have fun.  We provide boats and lifejackets while you will need to supply suitable protective clothing including wetsuit, spray jacket, and hat. Also bring water bottles and sunscreen.

Our Coaches are Yachting New Zealand qualified, have completed a first aid course, and are trained in powerboat operation and safety.  We run one coach to a maximum of six children ratio to ensure that all children are looked after in a supportive and stimulating environment.  Please contact learntosail@yacht.org.nz for further enquiries.

                                  For more information, please download the information pack below:

                                                Sailing Courses

Have-a-Go Sailing

We offer those who are new to sailing the opportunity to give sailing a go for one or multiple days in school holidays and throughout the school term.  School holiday programs run for 6 hours starting at 9:00 am in spring and 10:00 am in summer.  We also run several three-hour Saturday afternoon Have-a-Go sessions during the term starting at 1:00 pm.

Learn to Sail Pink

LTS Pink is a ten-session course over either five or 10 weeks designed to teach children the basics of sailing. There will be lots of fun and plenty of adventures including both group and individual sailing.  Most of the sailing will be club supplied Optimist dinghies with some team sailing in RS Quests and Omega dinghies.  In LTS Pink, children will develop the core sailing skills while having fun and meeting new friends.  LTS Pink aligns with Yachting New Zealand LTS Levels one and two categories.

Learn to Sail Blue

LTS Blue is an exciting step up for children once they move on from LTS Pink.  This course is based around learning the basics of how to race.  As with LTS Pink, it is a 10-session course over either five or ten weeks.   Children have a natural inclination to want to compete and LTS Blue is where we start to harness this.  LTS Blue will be solely in club supplied optimist dinghies and is ideal for children who may have completed learn to sail courses in previous years and want to return to sailing.  The next step form LTS Blue is to engage with regular club racing in your own boat.  When your child gets to that point we can advise the best path forward including assisting with purchasing boats.

Schools Learn to Sail

We welcome enquiries from schools for custom designed learn to sail courses.  Our regular learn to sail courses are also ideal inclusions in school sporting programs.  Please contact our club coach to discuss possibilities at learntosail@yacht.org.nz

                               For more information, please download the information pack below: