Sailing

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"Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul...I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can."

So opens Moby Dick, with the musings of narrator Ishmael on the restorative effect of taking to the sea.

In Sydney, the ocean forms the backdrop of our commutes, our offices, and often our weekend plans. But, it seems that the ability to actually climb onto a sailing boat and enjoy the harbour from a new vantage point is not an option for any but the wealthiest members of society - who have access to jetties and boats, and can leave at a moment's notice.

With a little bit of forward planning, however, anyone can enjoy the sport and leisure activity that captivated Hermann Melville when he was penning Moby Dick.

For a complete novice merely wanting to spend a day on the water, Sydney By Sail offers corporate and charter tours of Sydney Harbour. Based in Darling Harbour, Sydney By Sail also offers various packages, including luxurious Bed and Breakfast deals and special events. Similar services are offered by Champagne Sydney, with tours starting from $450 per couple. While Sydney By Sail requires a particular time allotment, Champagne does not mandate time slots, leaving customers able to sail at any point in the day.

Nonetheless, for anyone who would like to enjoy a degree of independence in sailing pursuits, there are various sailing clubs around Sydney that offer beginner's lessons.

East Sail is based in Rushcutters Bay. The courses range from beginner's lessons - at a cost of $499 per person or $485 per person for two people learning simultaneously - to courses designed to satisfy the requirements of boating licenses. A less expensive option is found in Balmain School, with 12-hour dinghy sailing courses offered at a rate of $350 per person. Even less expensive is Kookaburra School, based in Pyrmont, which runs 3 hour lessons at a rate of $95 per person.

Regardless of whether your interest in sailing remains purely amateur or you decide to pursue a more rigorous racing schedule, there is no doubt that the urge to take to sea as soon as you can will stay with you.

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%wnsydney