Learn to sail in the Western Cape
Accredited dinghy, Hobie and keelboat courses for youth, adults and families. Inland on Theewaterskloof Dam at Theewater Sports Club, and at sea in False Bay at Gordons Bay Yacht Club.
Accredited learn to sail training & race coaching at Theewater & in Gordons Bay since 2012
Choose how you want to sail
Every course is SA Sailing accredited, from your first sail to race training.
Dinghy lessons
Learn on our modern Topper Topaz dinghies at Theewater. Family and adult weekends, race training and private lessons.
Hobie lessons
Fast, stable catamaran sailing at Theewater. Family and adult weekends, race training and private lessons.
Keelboat lessons
Sail at sea in False Bay from Gordons Bay Yacht Club. Levels 1 to 4, race training, youth courses and private lessons.
Youth sailing camps
Holiday camps at Theewater Sports Club for young sailors, with accommodation and catering included.
Two venues: inland and at sea
Theewater Sports Club
On the shore of Theewaterskloof Dam near Villiersdorp. Home to our dinghy and Hobie courses and youth sailing camps, with a training room and bunk house on site so you can stay over for the weekend.
Gordons Bay Yacht Club
On the False Bay coast at Gordons Bay. Home to our keelboat courses, from Level 1 to Level 4 and race training, and our youth keelboat course.
Upcoming courses
Book online with a 60% deposit. The balance is due 7 days before your course starts.
- 10/10/2026 – 11/10/2026R1,895 per person
- 17/10/2026 – 18/10/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 24/10/2026 – 25/10/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 31/10/2026 – 01/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 07/11/2026 – 08/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 14/11/2026 – 15/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
Why learn with SA Sailing Academy
Accredited training
World Sailing curriculum, accredited sailing courses. You finish with SA Sailing Academy certificates of competence.
Safety first
Safety boats, life jackets and qualified instructors on every course. Everyone wears a life jacket on the water, however well they swim.
A modern fleet
We teach on 26ft keelboats & Topper Topaz Race X dinghies: easy to learn on, with a gennaker for extra speed once you are ready for it.
An experienced team
Founded in 2012 and run by Neil Ashton, a Sailing Instructor Developer, with a team of qualified instructors.
What our sailors say
Excellent place to learn to sail on the ocean and build skills that you will take with you through life. The instructors will allow you to learn in a safe environment without restricting any vital adventure. I recommend this academy for sailors and potential sailors of … Read more
Gordon's Bay Yacht Club
Our son has done level 1 to 4 with Neil and as a 15 year old, is now hooked on sailing. It was the best thing we could have introduced James to and Neil held safe and fun space for James to learn and nourish his love of the ocean and sailing. He also adored the dinghy… Read more
Gordon's Bay Yacht Club
Neil and his crew are exceptional trainers. I highly recommend them if you want to learn the lines!
Gordon's Bay Yacht Club
Very happy to give Sailing Academy Theewater/Gordons Bay a 5/5, I would have given them a 10/5 if the option was there. Neil is an exceptional instructor and with the help of Nadia they had me dinghy sailing on my own without any issues in only the second time out on t… Read more
Theewater Sports Club
Neil is super passionate about sailing, and really goes the extra mile teaching both newbies, as well as more experienced sailors. His knowledge and experience are bar none.
Gordon's Bay Yacht Club
My experience with Neil and CL was outstanding! They are both extremely helpful and provide excellent coaching at this amazing stretch of water. If you want to learn how to sail or are looking to take your sailing to the next level, I highly recommend, Sailing Academy Theewater
Theewater Sports ClubGood to know
What is the minimum age for sailing courses?
It is more about maturity than age. As a guide, our youth courses accept children from 9 years old. On family weekends there is no minimum age, because children sail with a parent or sibling looking after them.
Do I need to be able to swim?
You need to be able to stay afloat. Everyone wears a life jacket on the water, however well they swim.
What should I bring?
A wetsuit or a waterproof, windproof jacket, a change of clothes suited to the season, and something warm for the evenings. If you are staying over, bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
How does booking work?
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 starts. Bookings made within 7 days of the start are paid in full.
Can I rent a boat after my course?
Once you have reached a certain level of sailing ability, we are happy to rent out our equipment when we are not using it.