Sail Africa

Sail Africa is a development initiative and is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (063-968-NPO) Our objective is to provide education, skills training and personal development and empowerment through the medium of sail training, for young South Africans who could otherwise not afford the privilege of participating in sailing. The project aims to provide life skills and increased confidence and opportunities, which are currently unavailable to many young South Africans, ensuring them of a career path in the sailing industry, or a springboard to a career of their choice.

1. Training

Training in 2008 will continue for the young people from schools in the Durban area although we intend to expand our operation to enable a greater number of participants to benefit from our work. Experienced volunteer instructors are used to train youths between the ages of 14 and 18 on sailing vessels, exposing them to the enormous benefits that the experience of sailing provides. A greater number of schools will be invited to adopt sailing as a recognized school sport and to participate in our weekly activities. Training takes place on afternoons after school with one qualified instructor on each yacht training a maximum of six learners. Training takes the form of theoretical and practical learning. Once our young sailors achieve a level of confidence and competence, they participate in local regattas, where they hone their skills and become integrated into the sailing community.

Our Small Boat Competence Course runs over four terms, following which the graduates are ready to tackle advanced learning. Further training for our Small Boat Competence Course graduates, will take the form of sailing courses offering certification, at the various levels of achievement.

2. Location

Training takes place from the Durban Marina. The boats are accomodated on the walk-on moorings at the Durban Marina in the yacht basin and sail training takes place with in Durban bay.

3. Courses and Qualifications

Sail Africa is a South African Sailing (SAS) accredited training facility. Currently a fleet of three 26 foot yachts are used for sail training and this fleet will be increased to five shortly. Each yacht has one instructor and a maximum of six learners. An instructor to learner ratio of greater than 6:1 will not allow sufficient practical training per learner and will compromise safety.

Sail Africa Instructors Jean Marc George & Anthony McMillan. Our new recruits will all complete the Small Boat Competence Course. This course is run over the participants first four terms of sailing. The instructors cause each of the learners aboard to experience the various jobs required to operate a sailing vessel. They are instructed in the theory of sailing, practical boat handling, safety, the "rules of the road", navigation, basic meteorology, sail trimming and racing tactics and many other related subjects.

Head of training, Craig Millar, is a qualified Royal Yachting Association ("RYA") Yachtmaster Ocean and a South African Sailing (SAS) Yachtmaster and Examiner. He has many years of sail training experience using the RYA, American Sailing Association ("ASA") and South African Sailing ("SAS") curriculi. All instructors are experienced yachtsmen under the guidance of the head of training.

All training takes place under the strictest of safety regulations as governed by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

Sail Africa's Clubhouse & Lecture Facilitie

The main base of Sail Africa is the University of KwaZulu Natal Yacht Club facilities "Caprice" which is situated within the Durban Marina area in close proximity to both the Point Yacht & Royal Natal Yacht Clubs. The club house consist of a recreational area, lecture room & ablutions. The club house is a 'stones throw' from the walk-on moorings where the three L26 yachts that are owned by Sail Africa are moored making it very convenient to move from the lectures to sailing.

Introductory Sailing Course for Juniors & Beginners

Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation

Calling all youngsters who want to learn to sail? Join the holiday course, and come sail with us, learn the ropes & have fun. Join a beginner sailing course for the thrills, spills and get a flavour of the sport in a controlled safe environment. No prior sailing required and trained instructors will teach kids to sail and handle a boat.

The holiday course runs from Monday 13th July to Friday 17th 9-12am, but there is limited space available so book now!

goSailing - Life skills through sailing

The goSailing program aims to introduce beginners to the sport and to develop sailing in KwaZulu-Natal, with the emphasis on youngsters. Sailing is an important life skills sport, preparing future responsible adults. Ot incorporates a social responsibility program to assist those from previously disadvantaged background to gain access to sailing.

Coaching will be undertaken by a professional coaching organisation, using an initial critical mass of 10 new Lasers and training aids. goSailing is managed by a coordinator who oversees the program under the control of Sailing KZN.

Activities include hands-on introductory sailing courses, high-performance training for more experienced sailors and organised sailing clinics and training camps as well as promotional/motivational talks and video presentations. goSailing's target is at least 50 new Laser sailors a year.

SAILING COURSES

SAIL AFRICA

Non profit organisation affiliated to Sailing KZN whose aim is to promote sailing for all school going children.

Runs small keel boat competence courses. Looking for sponsorship and financial support for children from development schools.