IYT accredited · Docklands, Melbourne
Learn to Sail in Melbourne
Small-group courses on Port Phillip, from a four-hour taster to internationally recognised skipper certificates.
Where would you like to start?
Jump straight to the part that fits you.
Accredited courses
Find your path, from first sail to skipper
Every course counts towards an internationally recognised IYT certificate. Tap a course to see what’s involved.
“Tim Foster took me through all the hard work and was there every step of the way.”
Special two-weekend package
Two-Weekend Crew Package: Learn to Sail + Competent Crew
Learn to sail in just two days in a fun and inclusive environment, without the pressure. Then build on it with Competent Crew, which reinforces core skills and introduces new levels of seamanship, responsibility and confidence on the water.
- No prior experience required
- Optional overnight stay, at no extra cost
- Learn to Sail + Competent Crew + theory = International Crew Certificate
$1,200 for both weekends
Or $690 per weekend booked separately · 9am to 4:30pm · departs Docklands
See dates and bookGo from zero to hero
Beginner to Bareboat Skipper Package
Start with no experience and finish as a Bareboat Skipper with your ICC. Both practical courses, online theory, the VHF radio course and exam, the ICC and a Skipper’s Pack.
Compare packagesWeekends + Liveaboard
Crew over two weekends, then a 4-day liveaboard Skipper course.
$3,290Save $470
Choose this packageFull Liveaboard
Two 4-day liveaboard courses, Crew then Skipper.
$3,590Save $530
Choose this packageComing up on the water
See the full calendarCan’t make these dates? See all dates or call Tim on 0412 878 739.
What our students say
5.0from 71 Google reviews
“After 25 years of thinking about it, I finally decided to give sailing a shot… had an absolute ripper of a time! … Every bit of it was practical, hands-on instruction.”
“Tim is a calm and deeply experienced instructor and we felt incredibly comfortable and supported when learning with him.”
“The instructor tailored tasks and learning objectives to each participant’s age and level of experience, ensuring that everyone progressed confidently and safely.”
Adventures and regattas
Sail beyond the Bay
From dramatic Australian coastlines to Mediterranean islands, our voyages take you far beyond Port Phillip.
The difference
Why learn with Blue Water Sailing School
Not all sailing courses are the same. Here’s what you get with us.
Meet Boomer
Beneteau First 40.7, certified by AMSA for training and cruising. New sails, rig and engine, a roomy cockpit, and she’s fast.
The largest training yacht on the Bay
Boomer is the biggest boat of any sailing school on Port Phillip. You learn on the kind of yacht you’ll go on to charter.
Accredited to the ICC
As an IYT accredited school, our Bareboat Skipper course qualifies you for the International Certificate of Competence, required to charter in the Mediterranean.
Theory included in the price
Comprehensive online theory comes with our certificate courses at no extra cost. Study at your own pace, so your time on the water is spent sailing.
Real liveaboard experience
Our four-day courses live aboard, with overnight stays and passages across the Bay. You learn what cruising is really like, not just a day sail.
Professional instructors
RYA and IYT qualified instructors, each with 40+ years of sailing experience and racing success. Teaching sailing is what they do.
Your principal instructor
Tim Foster has sailed for over 40 years. Commercially certified skipper, RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and Yachtmaster Offshore.
Small groups
No more than six students on weekend courses and five on liveaboards, so everyone gets plenty of time on the helm.
Internationally recognised
IYT Worldwide certificates, with more government approvals in more countries than any other boating organisation. Training recognised by the UK’s MCA.
Not sure where you fit?
Tell us what sailing you’ve done and where you want to go, and we’ll point you to the right course.