Do I need prior boating experience?

No—She Skipper is designed for beginners; instructors provide step-by-step coaching for both theory and practical components.

What age do I have to be to attend?

Minimum age is 14; there is no upper age limit but you must meet eyesight and medical fitness requirements.

How hard is the theory test?

You must score at least 80% on the written theory test to meet assessment requirements; the morning revision focuses specifically on test topics.

What happens if I fail the practical assessment?

Instructors continue training until you’re ready; failure may require rebooking and payment for an additional assessment or refresher session.

Can I bring a partner or male friend?

This course is women-only by design; private or mixed-group training may be arranged by request with the operator.

She Skipper: Women-Only Recreational Skipper Course at Port Geographe Marina

Port Geographe Marina sits on the edge of Geographe Bay in Western Australia, and it’s here that Adventure Sailing runs the She Skipper course — a one-day, women-only Recreational Skipper’s Ticket program that takes you from classroom revision through a written exam to hands-on boat handling and practical assessment. The format is compact: morning theory review, a midday written test, then an afternoon aboard a 5 m Quintrex training boat where instructor Em “Pups” McPherson coaches until you meet Department of Transport standards.

What sets this course apart is the learning environment. The Marina’s sheltered waters make for calm practice conditions, letting students focus on boat control, docking and safety drills without open-ocean stress. The Quintrex training boat is small but steady, chosen to mirror common recreational craft so the skills you practice translate directly to local skiffs and jet skis. Em’s patient, focused instruction is the program’s other secret weapon—she breaks complex procedures into clear checks and practical routines so candidates can pass both the 80% theory threshold and the practical assessment.

Practicalities are straightforward. Meet at Port Geographe Marina, Adventure Sailing office; park in the main marina carpark and walk to the classroom immediately behind the marina office. You will need to be at least 14. The full day runs about 5–6 hours. Bring your ID, any required medical documentation, and be prepared to step in and out of the boat from the dock. If the eyesight test or a medical condition could affect your ability to drive, you must address that before booking.

Why book She Skipper while in the region? For visitors staying in Busselton, Dunsborough or nearby Geographe, it’s a fast, practical credential that opens the local coastline to independent exploration. It’s popular with mothers and daughters, groups of friends and newcomers who want confidence on the water without months of training. For the local outdoor scene, courses like this broaden access to Geographe Bay’s coastline by empowering more people—particularly women—to take the helm responsibly.

Expect a focused, skill-driven day rather than a sightseeing cruise. Passing gets you the Recreational Skipper’s Ticket required to drive recreational boats and jet skis in Western Australia, a small but powerful license for anyone planning to explore the bay, check out nearby islands or charter a boat. Adventure Sailing’s She Skipper turns an intimidating, licensing process into an achievable, supportive one-day experience guided by an experienced local instructor.

Classes are capped at a maximum of 8 participants to keep coaching personal, though larger private groups can be arranged by request; the operator asks you give 24 hours’ notice to reschedule, and no-shows need to rebook and pay again. If you don’t reach the required standard, re-assessment options are available.

About Adventure Sailing

Adventure Sailing is a professional sail training and charter operator based in Geographe, Western Australia. The company runs practical live‑aboard courses and day charters that combine hands‑on seamanship training with coastal cruising and recreational activities.

Signature programs include an 8‑day Coxswain Liveaboard Course that provides practical experience at sea while candidates complete requirements for Certificates of Competency. The 5‑Day Catamaran Liveaboard aboard the Queimarla gives participants a chance to join the crew, practice sailing skills, visit remote islands, and undertake fishing and swimming in the Indian Ocean. The Recreational Skipper’s Ticket is a one‑day practical course using a 5m Quintrex training boat paired with online pre‑learning, delivering a nationally recognised certificate on completion. Starsand Day Charter runs private celebrations aboard Stars, a 65ft ketch‑rigged yacht, with catered options, onboard BBQ and opportunities to spot dolphins. She Sails is a two‑day live‑aboard course exclusively for women, taught by experienced female instructors aboard Starsand to build confidence in boat handling and safety.

Courses and charters are delivered by qualified instructors with an emphasis on safety, competency and practical learning. Training follows Australian standards for recreational skipper certification and common competency pathways for commercial certificates. Operating from Geographe, Adventure Sailing focuses on immersive at‑sea learning, clear course outcomes, and well‑maintained vessels to deliver reliable, certifiable sailing experiences. Participants often enjoy camaraderie, great food and tailored itineraries while sailing Geographe Bay and nearby islands. Bookings include clear pre‑course information, safety briefings, equipment checks to ensure compliant and comfortable voyages for trainees and charter guests.

She Skipper: Women-Only Recreational Skipper Course at Port Geographe Marina

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