Imagine the feeling of taking a sailboat out by yourself on the water, or taking your family and friends out for a sailing experience. Don't let another summer pass!
I am an ex-Olympic sailor and a sailing instructor and I would love to provide you with a positive and fun learning experience to build your confidence on the water.
I have a calm and encouraging teaching manner and I aim to find the best way to help you manage all the challenges of sailing in an enjoyable way.
I choose to teach you on a TIWAL sailing dinghy (see courses below), as it is a great comfortable boat to learn in for all ages and body types.
Learning on a TIWAL sailing dinghy will give you a much more complete sailing experience and a steeper learning curve than on a bigger boat. You will have a better 'feel' of the boat and much quicker feedback from your actions. This will save you time and energy on your learn to sail journey.
My sailing course includes:
choosing the right sailing gear
how to read a forecast
sailing a comfortable and stable dinghy
basic boat handling
launching and retrieving the boat
wind direction and points of sail
safety considerations
buying the right sailboat for you
email follow ups with links to handy training resources
follow ups to answer any questions you may have.
I am also available to teach on a yacht of your choice - I have a YNZ Keelboat Level 2 Teaching Qualification so I am able to take you through all keelboat sailing skills including racing.
COURSES
Dip Your Toe in the Water/Refresher $195
Sail in a TIWAL with Melinda or sail by yourself alongside another boat. A two hour course sailing at a venue near you.
Learn to Sail Package $1295
Fast track your sailing with private lessons from experienced teacher, Melinda, at a venue near you. Receive 10 hours of lessons with Melinda in the TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghy. You will come away with the confidence to launch, retrieve and manoeuvre a sailing dinghy, understand the wind, weather, basic concepts of sailing and the ability to take on a variety of sailing conditions. I will give you a personalised programme to suit you including follow up emails each week with visual aids and videos.
Tiwal Inflatable Sailing Dinghy (see Shop NZ) + Lessons for $595
Purchase a TIWAL and receive 6 hours lessons for yourself and the family. Fit your lessons around your schedule. You will come away with the confidence to manage your own sailing dinghy. You will be self sufficient and ready to take on the lakes and oceans.
Payment Plans - There is an option for payment plans, please check with Melinda. Course Start Date: Private adult and child coaching: September Group kids coaching: October School Holidays Lesson timings - Flexible to fit with your schedule. What to wear - Melinda will explain what to bring. Lifejacket may be provided.
REVIEWS
‘I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help and encouragement over the past year. I absolutely loved the experience you enabled me to enjoy with sailing’. Nigel
‘I just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything you taught Quinn, he was really getting a good understanding of sailing and racing. Your encouragement and patience were always appreciated.’ Michelle
‘Your patience, your calmness and ability has given us confidence to sail safely’. Jonas
‘I’ve appreciated your leadership and coaching each week over the last couple of years, and also the calm manner in which you came to my rescue on several occasions! Gavin
‘You've been so consistent and such a great coach. I have loved the way you have supported Kori with his independent sailing... Thank you for every time you rescued him, adjusted his sails and coached him to be braver and more aware.’ Anna
HEALTH and SAFETY
I recognise the health and safety is of utmost importance to everyone at this time.
Please monitor your health in the lead up to your lesson and if you have symptoms, please stay at home.
I can't wait to start your sailing journey with you!