Yes. We teach S.A. Sailing’s internationally accepted sailing courses. In addition to this, ours is the only sailing qualification recognised by the South African Port Authorities. An SA Sailing ticket also entitles the holder to an ICC Certificate (International Certificate of Competence).
No, you do not have to have sailed before, but some courses require previous experience. If you wish to brush up on your skills, there is a specifically designed refresher course for those who have sailed before. If it’s your first time sailing, we offer a Competent Crew Course. People of all ages and all fitness levels enjoy sailing. If you have any specific health concerns or if you are a weak swimmer, please inform your instructor so that your needs can be met.
Yes! Our sailing instructors have years of experience and numerous qualifications, not to mention hundreds of hours of sailing between them. You’re also in good company – Good Hope Sailing Academy was established in 1993, and since then over 3000 students have attended its courses.
Our vessels are routinely checked by The South African Maritime Safety Authority, and maintained to the highest standard. All students will be required to wear safety gear, when needed, and will be supplied with a PFD or harness. Please inform your instructor if you suffer with any specific ailments or allergies, and bring the medication needed with you.
Yes. Sailing is not a dangerous sport and, as a rule, it has a good safety record. Our instructors check weather updates before launching, and follow best practice when it comes to safety.
The chance of seasickness is small – as you are mostly on deck and in the fresh air. If nausea occurs, it tends to occur below deck where one cannot see the horizon properly. If you do feel sick, inform your instructor so that he/she can attend to you. If you take nausea medication while flying, bring it along just in case.
If a course requires specific documents or item(s) it will be listed on the specific course page. If you are not sure, pop us an email and we can clarify for you.
Warm clothing is a good idea, and we find multiple layers are best (as the weather may change and one can remove items of clothing if needed). Please wear non-marking, soft shoes. If you already have deck shoes, that’s great – but any soft-soled closed ‘takkie’ (sneaker) shoes will do. Sandals are not advised as they offer no protection for your toes. A waterproof jacket is essential. (Sea boots are good for wet weather days). Sunglasses are a good idea for glare – please use glasses that have a string tie to keep them from falling overboard. Lip balm and a cap or hat (again with a string tie is a good idea). Sunscreen. Please use a soft bag rather than suit case for storing your items.
All our courses include a comprehensive manual, membership of the prestigious for the duration of the course including secure parking. Also new Royal Cape Yacht Club members proposed by GHSA are entitled to a discount for the first membership fee. A deposit of R150.00 is required for an access card to the Royal Cape Yacht Club, refundable at the end of the course.
The practical courses are taught on a Muira 32. The theory of all our courses is taught in our classroom at the Royal Cape Yacht Club.
Yes. If it’s your first time sailing, we offer a Competent Crew Course to help you acclimatise.
GHSA offers a competent crew course which can be done on weekends or full-time.
GHSA offers the following Practical courses:
GHSA offers the following Theory courses:
Good Hope Sailing Academy has been accredited by SAMSA and offers the DSC radio course to students as this is a requirement for obtaining you Day Skipper’s licence from SA Sailing. We offer the Short Range Certificate (SRC) Radio Operator Certification for Non-SOLAS vessels. Please see the course section for details.
Yes. This helps you to gain mileage and be better prepared for the Coastal course. The Local Waters Course is offered on your yacht or ours.
