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Admirals Bistro
Marine Academy
The CYCSA is extremely proud of the work of its Marine Academy, which is Adelaide’s only accredited cruising and racing yacht training centre. The Academy provides several recommended pathways for people who are just starting out on the water or looking to develop their knowledge and skills.
The Marine Academy is also able to provide social and corporate team building experiences. This less formal and more fun approach is equally enjoyed by many that just want to get out on the water with friends or workmates to experience the thrill that comes with boating.
The CYCSA Marine Academy’s aim is to increase the enjoyment, safety and knowledge of members and nonmembers for recreational power and sail boating and yacht racing.
Courses cover all types and levels of boating, ranging from learning to sail a yacht, recreational or competitive sailing and learning to drive a power boat. In addition, courses are run teaching key skills such as navigating or how to operate a radio. Whether a beginner or already highly experienced, there is a level within each program to suit every ability. The Academy is an accredited Australian Sailing ‘Discover Sailing Centre’. Managed by experienced and professional sailing and boating instructors, on-water and shore-based courses are conducted throughout the year.
For the mature student wishing to get into sailing, the courses provide a fun and accessible entry into the sport and provide participants with further opportunities to improve and develop sailing skills and techniques.
Training can assist members with obtaining essential qualifications required for different levels of competition and recreational boating.
Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the learning experience is an enjoyable one. While the atmosphere is relaxed, safety is of paramount importance. Courses can be divided into five categories:
• Learn to Sail • RYA Sail Cruising • Powerboat Courses • Navigation Courses • Safety Courses
Learn to Sail Courses
Discover Sailing - Come sailing with our Marine Academy instructors and find out what sailing is all about with a 2.5 hour Discover Sailing Experience, a hands-on experience offering a chance to get involved and on the water.
RYA/Australian Sailing Sail Cruising - Ideal for those wanting to learn to sail, holidaying on a charter or buying a yacht. Start Yachting course is a weekend course and then can be built upon by the more extensive Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses (see below).
Australian Sailing Keelboat Program - A pathway course whose ultimate aim is to give participants enough expertise and confidence to race in Club regattas. The program is split into four parts and is a fantastic way to quickly obtain the skills to be useful on a racing yacht! RYA Practical Courses
Start Yachting - Learn how to sail and experience handson practice in a safe and fun environment.
Competent Crew - This extensive live aboard course is designed to teach key skills to make you become a valued crew member.
Day Skipper - Take charge, plan passages and direct your crew to successfully sail a yacht from port to port. Another live aboard course.
International Certificate of Competency (ICC) - A must-have qualification to have if you are planning to charter a yacht overseas.
RYA Theory Courses
Essential Navigation and Safety - An introduction to the basic theoretical knowledge required to take a boat to sea including; navigation, weather, rules of the road, safety and passage planning.
Day Skipper Theory - Classroom-based, offering a comprehensive introduction to boating theory to support the skills required to complete our practical courses.
Marine Academy continued...
Powerboat Courses
Start Powerboating - Gain your boat licence while also acquiring valuable powerboat operating skills.
Powerboat Handling - Build on previously acquired skills. Required for Australian Sailing dinghy and windsurfing instructors.
Safety Courses
Safety Sunday- A Club-level course covering must-have skills such as man overboard, flares, epirbs (radio distress beacon), marine radio, lifejackets and rafts and offshore rescues.
Safety & Sea Survival Course (SSSC) - Intensive two-day course which is a requirement for major offshore racing including the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Marine Radio Certificate - Required for all people using VHF and HF Marine radios. How to respond to an emergency call and how to make one.
Follow-on courses are available to those who want to build on what they have already learnt and take their sailing experience to a new level.
The CYCSA Marine Academy also holds a very successful Junior School Holiday Program during the summer months. Our ‘Out There’ sailing experience sessions are all about having fun and getting a taste for on water activities. This action-packed program offers the opportunity to try one or all the following, sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, powerboating and keelboating. This experience is designed for participants who are 12-17 years-old looking to try a new activity, have some fun and engage with other teenagers. Setting a New Course for Veterans with Invictus
Together with The Road Home, the Cruising Yacht Club of SA proudly offers an innovative program that develops veterans’ sailing skills while building their confidence and social connections. In collaboration with the Invictus Pathways Program - Setting a New Course - offers current or former serving Australian Defence Force personnel who have little to no sailing experience the opportunity to undertake a five day Accredited Royal Yachting Association sailing program.
The course consists of a two-day Start Yachting component, followed by a three day live aboard sail component incorporating sailing in the Gulf St Vincent and several safe harbours around Adelaide. At the completion of the course, participants receive the qualification of Competent Crew, which enables to them to not only crew in a yacht but also work as a team to respond to unplanned events and make a safe passage home.
Invictus Pathways Program Coordinator, Mark Reidy says: “This is an exceptional opportunity for veterans to challenge themselves, learn a new skill and experience the satisfaction and connection that comes from working as a team - it’s the one thing that many former defence personnel miss when they leave service.”
For more information on CYCSA’s Marine Academy programs, including current course dates, or to book a course online, go to www.cycsa.com.au, phone (08) 8248 4222 or email the course coordinator at marine.academy@cycsa.com.au
