Skills Builder Course

Skills Builder is a five day course suitable for anyone who would like to gain more experience and sea time under the guidance of an instructor, but without the pressure of working towards a specific certificate. Because this week is tailor-made to your needs it’s equally suitable for both novice and advanced sailors. It is also ideal for anyone transitioning between different course levels, or who simply feels a bit rusty after an extended period of not sailing.

NZD $2649 (fully inclusive)

You will likely sail alongside other students working towards a certificate and your instructor will focus on the areas in which you want to gain further experience and skills.

By the end of this week you will have gained new skills, refreshed existing ones and acquired valuable sea-time to prepare you for future courses and your own sailing adventures.

Pre-course experience:
  • None required
Pre-course knowledge:
  • Any
Course duration:
  • 5 days
Minimum age:
  • 12
Skills Builder course content:

The course will be tailored to your requirements but you are likely to cover a large part of the Day Skipper and/or Coastal Skipper Syllabus.

Ability after the Skills Builder course:

This course aims to build on your existing skills, teach some new ones and leave you more confident in your abilities on board a sailing yacht.

What people have said about our courses

Perfect introduction to coastal sailing

Absolutely amazing experience & varied activities throughout the week. Hannah was so knowledgeable – about sailing and everything else around, that it made for such an interesting and educational time! Perfect introduction to coastal sailing

Naomi
Nov, 2025

Amazing

It has gone from a dream to one day live aboard a sailing boat to a possibility, all in 5 days. Amazing. Steph was a calm, enthusiastic, patient teacher.

Emma
Jan, 2026

Amazing week…

Amazing week…..Would easily return to & recommend Sail Nelson in the future

Emily
Jan, 2026

Good in-depth learning

Good in-depth learning. Patient instruction by Hannah. Plenty of opportunity to get extra practice on the pieces we needed more practice on

Tucker
Feb, 2026

Very informative and pleasant week

Very informative and pleasant week. Steph is a star. The sailing area stunning and the weather was perfect

David
March, 2026

… surpassed my expectations

This course and experience surpassed my expectations. I honestly can’t think of any improvements, as everything was organized and provided for very well. I would highly recommend Sail Nelson to anyone.

Robin
March, 2026
booknow