WELCOME ABOARD!

You might not be aware that Libby and I pioneered Sail Training in South Africa, having been
involved in this field for the last 32 years. Thus we are very well placed to offer students the best
possible advice to enable them to fulfill their sailing aspirations.
Remember, it is vital that you are given the correct advice and this is where our experience gives you the edge.
Libby and I have been advising students for many years and pride ourselves on individual attention at all times.
We hope that the enclosed data will guide you on the correct path. Please feel free to contact us for further information and we look forward to having you aboard.

Our SPICE CAREER Gap Year sailing course is very popular with young people wanting to get into the exciting and lucrative Overseas Charter market or enjoy a Gap Year with a difference… and these are run on a monthly basis. The YACHTMASTER Courses attract the more serious sailor, intent on gaining the level required to confidently pursue a Career as a professional Skipper. This is run quarterly. Also for South African sailors wanting to get legal – we offer the required courses, enabling you to get either your S.A. Sailing Yacht Skipper or Coastal Skipper qualification. So whatever your sailing needs… even if you just want to test the waters and come for a week’s holiday with a difference…

we have something for you and we also promise you a lot of fun whilst you are learning! Hope to hear from you soon – and welcome you aboard!! Chris & Libby Bonnet

Why choose Us? Nobody does it better
Our philosophy is to make sailing rewarding, accessible and, most of all, fun for everyone. With over 30 years experience we are experts in running sailing courses for people of all ages and ability. We guarantee modern fully equipped and well maintained yachts - ideal for learning to sail. Our experienced, highly qualified Royal Yachting Association or SA SAILING Instructors employ modern techniques to build your confidence on the water, and make sure that your experience at Sunsail is an excellent one.

Offshore Sailing Academy - Durban
At the helm - Chris and Libby Bonnet, founders of the Ocean Sailing Academy in 1979 and known throughout the world and who pioneered all sail training In South Africa. Having been involved in this field over the last 30 years and having taught well over 30 000 students – this surely gives us an edge. Garth Van Der Merwe, is our Operations Manager, Sean Harris our Principal – highly qualified and an outstanding teacher with international charter experience aboard. ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE RYA QUALIFIED – passionate about their profession and outstanding young men.

When It comes to learning how to sail, it is not only the manuals but also more importantly the background and the experience of the people who are going to be teaching you. Our tried and tested teaching programme will soon build your confidence, both on and off the water. As well as the practical sessions afloat, you will get to grips with the theory in our lecture rooms - using all the modern teaching aids to help you consolidate your knowledge. We will assist you In your choice of courses... beware of being told that you require additional courses which may not be necessary for your aspirations, especially pertinent to youngsters wanting to qualify for the lucrative Charter market overseas.

DURBAN BASE: Practical courses from Yacht Hand up to Yachtmaster Offshore.
(In addition, we naturally cover all the practical mileage requirements to enable students to comply to the mileage and skippered passages for any RYA Exam in the Cape )

Our fleet of yachts are French Beneteau in design AND all comply fully with the Department of Transport Code of Practice for Sail Training Yachts. This means that our safety procedures and equipment are regularly monitored to comply with D.O.T. regulations. Our vessels have, a fully equipped galley with refrigeration, music system and latest electronic navigation system. In fact, proudly the very best training vessels in the country.

All courses offer live-aboard (unless otherwise specified)
Part of the experience and fun is living aboard. Your accommodation is on board our yachts moored on the Marina in front of the Yacht Clubs, which is only 5 minutes walk away from our offices and modern lecture room facilities. Meals at the Club are to your account. Membership of the Yacht Clubs is a privilege of all students during their course.

Our teaching ratio in the lecture room and on board This never exceeds 7 : 1, so there is plenty of individual attention at all times and in addition, there is plenty of interaction from the Bonnets who have a wealth of expertise and knowledge to share.