What this training covers
Docking is one of the most useful specialist courses for new yacht owners.
Training can include:
For catamarans:
Course names and content vary between schools, and this is a description of the training rather than one school’s syllabus. Check what a particular course actually includes — and on which boat — before booking.
Boat handling
Sail Trim Courses
Sail trim courses in Australia — reading sail shape, controlling twist and draft, and the adjustments that turn an adequate boat into a fast one.
Spinnaker Courses
Spinnaker courses in Australia — hoisting, gybing and dropping symmetric and asymmetric kites without the drama.
Anchoring Courses
Anchoring courses in Australia — scope, seabed, swinging room, testing the set and what to do when the anchor drags at 3am.
Own-Boat Tuition
Own-boat tuition in Australia — an instructor aboard your own yacht, working through your systems, your handling and your marina.
Where this sits in the schemes
Training like this is taught both as a named certificate within a scheme and as standalone tuition by independent schools. If you want a certificate at the end, start from the scheme; if you only want the skill, an afternoon with a good instructor may serve you better.
Is this the right training for you right now?
Three questions — have you sailed before, what boat do you want to sail, and what is your goal — give you a starting course and the schools that teach it near you.