Botany Bay Sailing School, located in Sydney, Australia, is a leading yachting instructor offering a wide range of sailing lessons and boating holidays. It is run by Matthew Wren, a highly experienced yachting instructor and the owner of the school. Matthew's passion lies in day sailing and coastal cruising, and he has extensive knowledge of the Whitsunday Islands, having made numerous trips to the area. Alongside his assistants, Matthew aims to provide a fun and practical experience for all participants.
Matthew is a qualified Australian Yachting Federation Instructor and also holds the Australian Waterways Master class 5 qualifications. With nine years of full-time experience as a professional sailing instructor, Matthew has also achieved success in racing, winning several titles including the PHOSC Champion of Champions twice, Flying Eleven Australian Champion, B14 Australian and World Champion, and Cherub Australian Champion, among others.
Botany Bay Sailing School offers sailing lessons for both kids and adults, making it a fun and easy activity for everyone to enjoy. They provide regular weekend sessions, school holiday camps, and family packages, as well as specialised sessions for adults and kids. The school also hosts social events, providing the opportunity to meet new people who share a passion for sailing.
Located beside the safest area of water in the region, Botany Bay Sailing School benefits from its location within the Kogarah Bay Sailing Club. This provides students with the option to become a club member, allowing them to continue sailing in the club's activities after completing their lessons. The school is approved by Yachting Australia, ensuring quality instruction and adherence to industry standards.
The school's Small Boat Sailing programme follows a syllabus divided into three levels: Basic Skills Level 1, Basic Skills Level 2, and Better Sailing Level 3. Each level focuses on specific sailing skills and knowledge, such as safety awareness, boat controls, right of way rules, and weather sources. The training is conducted on Skyrider class boats, with the addition of Vagabonds, a small dinghy specifically designed for learning to sail. Vagabonds are 14 feet long and have excellent safety features, making them an ideal training boat.
Botany Bay Sailing School emphasises the social aspect of sailing, which requires effective communication and decision-making skills. The classes are designed to be fun and engaging, with flexible scheduling available throughout the year. Each level consists of four two-hour sessions, and upon completion of all three levels, participants receive the Competent Crew Certificate.
To participate in the lessons, participants are advised to bring enclosed shoes that can get wet, warm clothes, a towel, and a change of clothes. Early booking is recommended to secure a spot in the classes. Once students have completed the three levels, they are encouraged to continue sailing regularly at the club. The school also offers opportunities to crew on various sailing boats or purchase their own boat to sail at the club, as skippers often require additional crew members.