What do I need to join Team Sailing?

Like in any sport there is some equipment that you will need to purchase or get hold of over time and some fees that you will need to pay.

You do not need to have sailed before as you will learn the necessary skills over the season but for obvious reasons you need to be water confident and be able to swim. 

The Team Sailing Season:

The Team Sailing Season runs from October to April and you need to make a commitment over that period of time. It is important to “have a go” first to see if this might just be the sport for you – as they say –“ Sail for life”.  This side of Christmas, the training nights are usually Mondays and will concentrate on introducing you to team sailing.   The three Colleges then form teams for the Jan-April period and will normally participate in a Regional Regatta in March,  hosted in Marlborough at QCYC, this season and the National Regatta in April which will be held in New Plymouth.  Travelling to Nationals is very rewarding but a big undertaking and lots of fundraising is involved.

Training happens each Monday after school but can vary due to public holidays and individual team needs. There is a coach and more senior team members available to help you learn the skills. Parents from the teams arrange transport to and from training.  

Each week, there is a duty team roster.  The duty team is responsible for shore help and clean up at the end of the day.

There are training clinics in January to hone new skills.   Details will be confirmed in December.

Unlike other sports where you may play a competitive game each week or so, Team sailing involves training early in the season with a view to competing in regattas as the season draws to an end.  Plenty of time to hone those skills.

What equipment do I need?

It’s always best to “have a go” before investing in any equipment/gear. QCYC kindly lets us use their life jackets early in the season but you will need layers of warm clothing as the combination of water and wind can be cold. Layers of thermals/polypropylene are great. Many of the sailors in the team sail regularly, so there is often second hand equipment to be had. If you are keen to continue, talk with the other sailors to find out what they find the most essential items.   Reach out to the College contact for help finding gear to try out in.  There is normally plenty of people more than willing to loan gear for new sailors – having a go.