If you have ever watched a sailing boat glide across the water and wondered what it would be like to take the helm yourself, Bundaberg Sailing Club would like to get a few more locals out on the water.
Located at picturesque Burnett Heads, the club is encouraging a new generation of sailors, young and old, to discover a sport that combines fresh air, practical skills, teamwork and a healthy respect for the wind and water.
The club recently appeared at Oceanfest Bundaberg to showcase its Learn to Sail programs, before throwing open its doors on Saturday, 12 September for locals interested in experiencing sailing firsthand.
It turned out to be a great day to put prospective sailors through their paces. The sun was shining, the weather was warm and there was certainly no shortage of wind to fill the sails. Experienced club sailors took participants out in dinghies, giving newcomers the chance to feel the pull of the wind in the sails, the splash of water over the side and the challenge of working with the conditions rather than against them. The response was impressive, with more than 25 new registrations received following the open day.
MORE THAN JUST CATCHING THE WIND
There is considerably more to sailing than simply pointing a boat in the right direction.
Learning to sail introduces participants to a range of practical skills, from tying a bowline knot, understanding wind direction, to steering and controlling a dinghy. And yes, learning what to do when things don’t quite go according to plan is part of it too. Capsizing and recovering a dinghy safely is one of the skills sailors learn, helping participants become more confident and capable on the water.
Bundaberg Sailing Club’s current course combines Start Sailing 1 and Start Sailing 2, providing beginners with an introduction to dinghy sailing and the fundamental skills needed to get underway. Participants don’t need to arrive with their own boat or a shed full of sailing equipment. The necessary boats, equipment and gear are provided through the accredited Discover Sailing Centre. The main prerequisite is that participants are confident in the water.
As an affiliate of Australian Sailing, participants are also required to register and obtain an Australian Sailing number. Those who successfully complete the program receive their Start Sailing 1 and Start Sailing 2 completion certificates. The current Learn to Sail course is running throughout October, but with plenty of interest already blowing in, further opportunities are expected to follow.
So, whether you’re looking for a new sport, want to learn a completely different set of skills or have simply wondered what it feels like to harness the wind and take control of a sailing boat, this could be your opportunity to give it a go.
Bundaberg Sailing Club can be found at 66 Strathdees Road, Burnett Heads.
For information about upcoming Learn to Sail opportunities or joining the club, contact Vice Commodore Terry Riley on 0421 757 911.
You never know, one trip out on the water might be all it takes to get you hooked on sailing.
Published Chitchat Newspaper October 2026