Ten children aged 8 to 12 and with varying degrees of experience on the water took part in the two-hour session.
Instructors Merv Aoake and David Stringer begin by teaching the basics of sailing, according to the rules and regulations of Yachting New Zealand.
The club, based on Kelvin Heights, runs the programme for six to eight weeks and restarts in February.
John Stalker, club executive committee member and co-organiser of the programme, said aspiring boat users need only provide their own wetsuit and life jacket.
Newcomers are invited to have a go to see if they like the activity then, if they do, pay $72 for both membership of the club and entry into the programme.
"Learn-to-sail is open to anybody in the community to encourage more people to sail, learn about the water, increase membership of the club and have fun," Mr Stalker said.
