Ponsonby Cruising Club

Learn-to-Sail classes for children and adults

All dinghy classes at PCC Sailing School are recognised around the world as leading sail training boats. Whether you’ve never sailed before, or you race on bigger yachts and want to experience a more “hands-on” way of sailing, our dinghy training is a fantastic and fun way to learn.

Our current courses are based on the Yachting New Zealand system, and all our courses and instructors are Yachting New Zealand accredited, so you can be confident that you’re getting high-quality and safe tuition.

Our course numbers never exceed 6 students to 1 instructor, or we offer private lessons for a more tailored approach.

At the end of a YNZ level 1, 2 or 3 course, each graduate receives a Yachting New Zealand certificate to match the skill level the student has attained. Yachting New Zealand certificates are recognised by World Sailing and are a necessary prerequisite for sailors who want to attend any of Yachting New Zealand’s ‘High Performance’ clinics.

PCC Sailing School works with schools and community groups to improve sport, recreation awareness and participation.

Above all else, the PCC Sailing School courses are designed to be an enjoyable developmental experience. Not only do students learn to sail but also have fun at the same time.

While your child is enrolled on a PCC Sailing School course, you and your family are welcome to use our club facilities as a guest. Guests are required to sign in at the lounge entrance.

For many years the PCC Sailing School has introduced Kiwis to sailing and has a number of graduates who are well known for their various yachting exploits.

We are proud to have been the starting point for two Olympians: Sarah Mackay and Jo Aleh.

Sarah Macky (born January 13, 1980) is a New Zealand former sailor, who specialized in the Europe class. She scored top ten finishes on her signature boat in two editions of the Olympic Games (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004).

Joanna Aleh (born 15 May 1986) is a New Zealand sailor. She is a national champion, a former world champion, and an Olympic gold medalist. Aleh competes in the two-woman 470 dinghy. In the 2013 New year Honours, Aleh was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sailing. Just before her ninth birthday, Aleh was impressed by the New Zealand victory in the 1995 America’s Cup, and asked her father if she could learn to sail. She did a learn to sail course at the Ponsonby Cruising Club and with the help of her extended family a small sailing dinghy was purchased. She began her competitive career at the age of 11 in an Optimist.

PCC Sailing School

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Introducing champions to sailing

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