Sailing Experiences

Our experiences-based options are designed to give you a taste of being out on the Wellington Harbour, whatever your skill or interest.

What to wear

Dress warmly, even in summer. A wool or polypropylene base layer is a good idea, with at least one more warm layer on top. We provide you with a good quality set of breathable waterproof gear (pants and jacket) along with a life-jacket. A hat and sunglasses are also a good idea. Make sure that you have a strap or similar so that you don’t lose these overboard!

Weather

Harbour and Corporate Sails are weather dependent. We want you to have a great, safe experience. In order to make the best decision we can with regard to weather we will notify you on the day of the sail if it isn’t going ahead.

If we cancel due to weather you have the option to rebook another session or get a refund. If you are coming from out of town and would like to know about possible cancellations prior to the sail.

School Programmes

For teachers looking for EOTC activities or courses - our School Programmes offer a range of experiences, including sailing-only half-day sessions, and full-days with a mix of sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

What's provided?

We will provide your students with a set of wet weather gear for sailing and a wetsuit for SUP/kayaking. Lifejackets and buoyancy aids are provided for all activities. Students need to bring polypropylene and fleecy type casual clothing and soft soled closed-toe footwear. Students are not permitted to wear jeans or track suit pants for kayaking and SUPing. Students should bring, and ideally arrive wearing swimming suits. This allows them to quickly get changed into wetsuits. All students are required to bring a complete change of clothes as they will get wet. Students are welcome to bring their own wetsuits.

Risk management

We have risk management plans for each of our sailing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding programmes. We will provide you with the appropriate RAM forms for whichever of the options you choose.

Instructors

At all times students will be under the guidance of one of our oceans sport instructors. All our instructors are qualified with their respective sport.

Adult supervision/assistance

Wellington Oceans Sports requires an adult to assist our instructor on board each of our 2 keelboats. This person doesn't need any sailing experience but does need to be physically capable. Wellington Ocean Sports will provide instructors to supervise and instruct students while they are participating in a session. Supervision for students outside of these times is the responsibility of the teachers and adults present.

Weather

We can operate in a wide range of weather conditions. Our location in the Clyde Quay boat harbour provides a sheltered environment for SUP/kayaking sessions in most conditions (generally up to 10kts and 15kts of wind respectively, depending on student age and ability). Our keelboats are set up to operate in a wide range of conditions (generally up to 25kts, with the same considerations). On windy days sailing may be restricted to the use of a small headsail or a motoring session to ensure the safety of students. On rare occasions weather conditions may force the cancellation of a session. If the weather is looking like it may force a cancellation we will be in touch to let you know.​​​​​​​