Keelboat sailing lessons
Learn to sail a keelboat at sea, from Gordons Bay Yacht Club on the north-eastern shore of False Bay. Courses from Level 1 to Level 4, race training, a youth course and private lessons.
We teach on our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats, following the World Sailing curriculum with certified instructors. Each day has two 3-hour sessions of theory and practical sailing.
Family discount: 10% off the third and each further family member booked onto the same course.
Key facts
SA Sailing Academy runs keelboat sailing courses from Gordons Bay Yacht Club in False Bay: Levels 1 to 4 cost R1,895 per person for 2 days, and race training costs R2,195 per person for 2 days.
- Keelboat Levels 1 to 4: R1,895 per person per level, 2 days each
- Qualification: Completing all four levels earns the Competent Crew qualification
- Keelboat race training (Levels 1 and 2): R2,195 per person, 2 days, after Level 4
- Youth keelboat course: R2,495 per person, 3 days, for young sailors
- Private lessons: R3,495 for a 1-day private lesson; 2 or 3 days on request
- Each day: Two 3-hour sessions of theory and practical sailing
- Venue: Gordons Bay Yacht Club, north-eastern shore of False Bay, Western Cape
- Boats: Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats
- Safety: Life jackets and safety equipment provided; you need to be able to stay afloat
- Booking: 60% deposit to book; balance due 7 days before the course
The boats
Our Sadler 26 and L26 keelboats.
The venue
Gordons Bay Yacht Club, on the north-eastern shore of False Bay.
Accreditation
World Sailing curriculum with certified instructors. Certificates of competence are awarded for the skills you show.
Each day
Two 3-hour sessions of theory and practical sailing. Safety equipment and life jackets are provided.
Courses and dates
Keelboat Levels 1 to 4
Start at Level 1 if you are new to keelboats. Each level builds on the one before, so book the next level once you have completed the previous one. Complete all four levels to earn your Competent Crew qualification.
What each level covers: Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Level 4
- 10/10/2026 – 11/10/2026R1,895 per person
- 31/10/2026 – 01/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 14/11/2026 – 15/11/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 05/12/2026 – 06/12/2026R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 16/01/2027 – 17/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 30/01/2027 – 31/01/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 13/02/2027 – 14/02/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 17/04/2027 – 18/04/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 08/05/2027 – 09/05/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
- 29/05/2027 – 30/05/2027R1,895 per person · R1,137 deposit to book
Keelboat race training
The next step after Level 4: start with race training Level 1, then move on to Level 2.
- 06/03/2027 – 07/03/2027R2,195 per person · R1,317 deposit to book
- 06/03/2027 – 07/03/2027R2,195 per person · R1,317 deposit to book
- 01/05/2027 – 02/05/2027R2,195 per person · R1,317 deposit to book
- 01/05/2027 – 02/05/2027R2,195 per person · R1,317 deposit to book
Youth keelboat course
A 3-day keelboat course for young sailors at Gordons Bay.
Private keelboat lessons
Lessons on dates that suit you, over 1, 2 or 3 days. Tell us when you would like to sail and we will confirm a date.
Where you sail
All keelboat courses are held at Gordons Bay Yacht Club, on the north-eastern shore of False Bay. Visitors are welcome to use the club bar and restaurant, and the deck has views across the bay.
Good to know
What is the minimum age?
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.