Learn to Sail Keelboat (Level 1)

Hi-Tech Sailing was founded in June 2023 by Steve Kennedy, a Physical Educator with over 20 years experience in education and coaching and 30+ years of sailing experience. Steve grew up sailing in windy Albany, Western Australia where he fell in love with the sport and had success in the competitive Mirror fleet, winning multiple Club and State Championships, consistent podiums in National Championships and achieving a 4th place in the 1999 World Championships with crew Simon Grannery in their boat named “Hi-Tech”.

Steve went on to sail 420’s, 505’s (including a world championship campaign) and match racing in keelboats out of Fremantle and on the Swan River before landing in Singapore and joining the SB20 fleet. He was the Fremantle Sailing Club coach for 3 years and coached the West Australian team at the 2003 Mirror World Championships. More recently, Steve was responsible for establishing the after school sailing program at Overseas Family School where he was the Head Coach for Sailing over 2 years working with Grade 3 – 12 students.

Adults & Family Sailing Courses:

Recognising a gap in learn to sail courses between the various dinghy sailing courses offered locally and big boat charters or British courses with practical elements that must be completed overseas, Hi-Tech sailing uses the 20ft long, SB20 with its open deck and simple design that makes it the perfect introduction to keelboat sailing (although responsive like a dinghy). The number of crew (3-4) needed to sail the SB20 makes it an ideal family boat and many family groups have enjoyed taking up the sport and bonding over shared experiences with us.

The SB20 happens to be the largest and most competitive racing fleet in Singapore meaning that Hi-Tech learn to sail courses provide a direct pathway into racing. Students will be introduced to other sailors and boat owners and be given many opportunities to join as a crew once competent in the various roles and skills. Already, Hi-Tech students have gone on to crew in IRC racing boats, SB20’s and even buy their own SB20.

School Sailing:

During his time growing up sailing in Albany, often training in 25+ knots after school, Steve realised that sailing with its exposure to the elements and an unpredictable environment instilled adaptability, resilience, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills and for a teenager was a powerful source of confidence.

With young people in present times spending more and more time glued to their devices and managing the pressures of schooling, sailing has never been a better activity for kids to connect with the outdoors, develop ’21st century skills’ and build confidence. Hi-Tech Sailing works with schools to not only provide sail training courses for students but deliver them with in line with the latest pedagogy and approaches to learning expected from International Schools.

Our coaches are qualified and experienced sailors who can adapt and differentiate their lessons based on the weather and learning needs of the group. The coach is onboard during lessons offering a controlled and safe environment but challenging students who will gradually take over full control of and responsibility for the boat. We are one of the few genuine environmentally sustainable activities as we are powered by 100% wind, water and human energy (or as one of our students said, “rice power”).