Schools & Youth Programmes
Offshore sailing
for the next generation.
Structured sailing programmes for New Zealand high school students. Duke of Edinburgh, NCEA enrichment, and group bookings from Lyttelton.
Only
Sailing school in Canterbury
Year 9–13
All year groups catered for
DoE
Duke of Edinburgh qualifying
NCEA
Enrichment & outdoor education
Three Levels
A clear pathway
from first sail to certified.
Each programme builds on the last. Students can complete all three across their school years, finishing with an internationally recognised offshore qualification that opens doors to sailing worldwide.
Introduction to Sailing
Year 9–13 · 1–2 Days
A first experience on the water. Students learn basic sail handling, helming, and safety aboard our 65ft offshore performance yacht in Lyttelton Harbour. No experience required.
- Full safety briefing and all gear provided
- Hands-on helming and sail trim
- Lyttelton Harbour day sail
- Professional skipper and crew throughout
- Certificate of participation
from $180
per student
VHF + On-Water Skills
Year 10–13 · 2–3 Days
Combines the MVOC VHF Radio certificate — a legal requirement for radio operation at sea — with practical on-water sailing skills. Students leave with a recognised qualification.
- MVOC VHF Radio certificate (internationally recognised)
- Practical radio operation at sea
- Coastal sailing and basic navigation
- Ideal pre-qualification for offshore pathway
- Counts toward DoE adventurous journey
from $420
per student
Competent Crew
Year 11–13 · 5 Days
The full Competent Crew qualification — internationally recognised and the first step on the pathway to Day Skipper and Yachtmaster. Live-aboard our 65ft offshore performance yacht.
- Internationally recognised certificate
- 5 days live-aboard from Lyttelton
- Sail handling, navigation, and safety
- Pathway to Day Skipper and Yachtmaster
- Qualifying offshore sea miles
from $1,850
per student
Why Southern Passages
The only offshore sailing school
in Canterbury.
We are the only dedicated offshore sailing school within 300 km of Christchurch. Our programmes are run by qualified instructors aboard a purpose-built offshore yacht — not a dinghy pond. Students get real offshore sailing experience from day one.
Internationally Recognised
Internationally recognised qualifications accepted worldwide
Real offshore yacht
our 65ft offshore performance yacht — purpose-built for Southern Ocean passages
Lyttelton base
12 km from Christchurch CBD, easy school transport
Small groups
Maximum 10 students per programme for quality instruction
Awards & Curriculum
Counts toward what matters.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Our sailing programmes qualify as the Adventurous Journey component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. We provide all required documentation for your DofE coordinator.
Suitable for: Starter, Intermediate, Competent Crew
NCEA Enrichment
Sailing programmes can be structured to support NCEA Physical Education and Outdoor Education achievement standards. We work with your HOD to align activities with your curriculum requirements.
Suitable for: All programmes
International Sailing Pathway
These qualifications are recognised in over 50 countries. Students who complete Competent Crew can continue to Day Skipper and Yachtmaster — qualifications that open doors to sailing and maritime careers worldwide.
Suitable for: Competent Crew
How It Works
Simple to organise.
01
Send an enquiry
Tell us your year group, student numbers, preferred dates, and programme interest. We respond within one school day.
02
We confirm the details
We send a programme outline, risk assessment, and teacher briefing pack. No surprises on the day.
03
Students arrive at Lyttelton
We handle all safety briefings, gear, and on-water instruction. Teachers are welcome aboard.
04
Certificates issued
Students receive their certificates within 5 working days. We provide all documentation for DofE or NCEA records.
Explore more
Sailing Passages
Skippered offshore passages to Marlborough Sounds, Stewart Island, Tonga & Fiji.
Sailing Courses
Competent Crew, Day Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore from Lyttelton — launching 2026/27.
Corporate Sailing
Half and full-day offshore sailing days for Canterbury businesses from Lyttelton.
From the blog
Article
How to Choose a Sailing School in NZ
The questions to ask before you book — vessel, conditions, instructor experience, and qualifications.
Article
NZ Coastguard Qualifications Explained
What the Coastguard Boating Education qualifications mean and how they fit the offshore pathway.
Article
Learning to Sail as an Adult in NZ
What to expect from your first sailing course — and how to choose the right one for your goals.
Book a programme for your school
All programmes depart from Lyttelton. Maximum 10 students per programme. Get in touch to discuss dates and availability.