Frequently asked questions
Q. What age should my child start sailing?
A. Typically, children will reach the right size and physique around the age of 9. In saying that, we have adult courses on offer too so as long as a participant has good overall fitness and health, you are never too old to learn!
Q. I don’t have a boat for my child, can they still participate?
A. Of course! The Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation (RCSF) provides boats, equipment and safety items for the Learn to Sail courses and this charter is included in course fees.
Q. I know how to sail, but don't have a boat. Can I charter the Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation equipment?
A. Unfortunately not unless you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a RCSF course. We have to keep strict tabs on our equipment because of the safety implications, and the high use this equipment sees.
Q. What sailing gear should I supply my sailor?
A. Learn to Sail Level One sailors will be provided with a spray top, lifejacket and helmet. Additionally, you will need to provide them with togs and a snug fitting wetsuit. They should also bring with them sailing booties (or beach shoes) to protect their feet and poly prop longs are great to wear under a wetsuit in the colder months. As they move through the program, you should consider a life jacket, spray top and helmet as the next crucial purchases.
Q. Is there any way I could be helping out with my child’s lessons?
A. Yes, there are plenty of ways you can get involved, in fact we encourage you too! The RCSF offers inductions to parents and supporters across a number of areas such as tractor driving, tower duty, safety boat crewing and more. Please come and talk to our friendly team for more information on mucking in!
Q. I hold relevant qualifications that could be valuable to the RCSF, what should I do?
A. If you hold a current relevant qualification, or your profession is applicable to the day to day running of the RCSF and our courses then we would love to hear from you. These include trained nurses/doctors, first aid qualifications, power boat, sailing coaching or VHF qualifications.
Q. How do I buy our first boat?
A. There are many ways to go about the purchase of your first boat, and it doesn’t need to be a hugely expensive or stressful process! Buying second hand and start looking early are two great tips to make this process a lot less daunting! People will often list second hand boats on Trademe but you should also ask around the club and talk to those who might soon be moving out of the class you are interested in.
Q. My sailor is keen to sail a two-handed boat but these are more expensive to buy. What options are there to reduce this burden?
A. It’s common that sailors who have moved into the Development Program will have their own boats. This isn’t always the case however and there are options to make this transition to double-handed boat ownership easier. One option is to charter a double-handed boat from the RCSF where available. This could be chartered on a case-by-case basis, or a one-off up font payment for the duration of the course they are enrolled in. Another option is to team up with another family who have a sailor also interested in double-handed classes. This way the costs can be shared between the families. A simple agreement outlining the arrangement can overt any future disagreements and keep any parting amicable and worry-free. An agreement could outline that both parties go half shares in the boat and all its equipment. Finally, the RCSF does approach and award sailors in special circumstances with a scholarship that covers fees, boat charter and sailing gear. Information on our scholarship program can be found HERE
A. Typically, children will reach the right size and physique around the age of 9. In saying that, we have adult courses on offer too so as long as a participant has good overall fitness and health, you are never too old to learn!
Q. I don’t have a boat for my child, can they still participate?
A. Of course! The Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation (RCSF) provides boats, equipment and safety items for the Learn to Sail courses and this charter is included in course fees.
Q. I know how to sail, but don't have a boat. Can I charter the Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation equipment?
A. Unfortunately not unless you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a RCSF course. We have to keep strict tabs on our equipment because of the safety implications, and the high use this equipment sees.
Q. What sailing gear should I supply my sailor?
A. Learn to Sail Level One sailors will be provided with a spray top, lifejacket and helmet. Additionally, you will need to provide them with togs and a snug fitting wetsuit. They should also bring with them sailing booties (or beach shoes) to protect their feet and poly prop longs are great to wear under a wetsuit in the colder months. As they move through the program, you should consider a life jacket, spray top and helmet as the next crucial purchases.
Q. Is there any way I could be helping out with my child’s lessons?
A. Yes, there are plenty of ways you can get involved, in fact we encourage you too! The RCSF offers inductions to parents and supporters across a number of areas such as tractor driving, tower duty, safety boat crewing and more. Please come and talk to our friendly team for more information on mucking in!
Q. I hold relevant qualifications that could be valuable to the RCSF, what should I do?
A. If you hold a current relevant qualification, or your profession is applicable to the day to day running of the RCSF and our courses then we would love to hear from you. These include trained nurses/doctors, first aid qualifications, power boat, sailing coaching or VHF qualifications.
Q. How do I buy our first boat?
A. There are many ways to go about the purchase of your first boat, and it doesn’t need to be a hugely expensive or stressful process! Buying second hand and start looking early are two great tips to make this process a lot less daunting! People will often list second hand boats on Trademe but you should also ask around the club and talk to those who might soon be moving out of the class you are interested in.
Q. My sailor is keen to sail a two-handed boat but these are more expensive to buy. What options are there to reduce this burden?
A. It’s common that sailors who have moved into the Development Program will have their own boats. This isn’t always the case however and there are options to make this transition to double-handed boat ownership easier. One option is to charter a double-handed boat from the RCSF where available. This could be chartered on a case-by-case basis, or a one-off up font payment for the duration of the course they are enrolled in. Another option is to team up with another family who have a sailor also interested in double-handed classes. This way the costs can be shared between the families. A simple agreement outlining the arrangement can overt any future disagreements and keep any parting amicable and worry-free. An agreement could outline that both parties go half shares in the boat and all its equipment. Finally, the RCSF does approach and award sailors in special circumstances with a scholarship that covers fees, boat charter and sailing gear. Information on our scholarship program can be found HERE