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95 Hannell St, Wickham NSW 2293
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Junior Tackers Sailing (7-12yrs)

Home Junior Tackers Sailing (7-12yrs)

Welcome to the TACKERS learn to sail program!

Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based kids learn to sail program designed for ages 7 to 12 years.  Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate.  All the equipment, including the boats, is provided.

Tackers is delivered in boats specifically designed for the program and supervised by Australian Sailing qualified Instructors who are on the water all the time the kids are sailing.  Programs are either 4 or 5 days during the school holidays or over 8 – 10 weeks during term time.

There are three course levels that kids can progress through, each level involves around 20 hours of participation.  Each course is focused on having fun, playing games while learning the basics of sailing.

Tackers 1 - 'Having Fun!'
Tackers 2 - 'Tricks & Techniques'
Tackers 3 - 'Sailing Fast!'
Tackers - Green Fleet
Course Dates & Times
Course Cost & Discounts
Our Instructors
The Boats we sail
What to Bring
Junior Sailing Pathway
Frequently Asked Questions
Support for Tackers
Tackers 1 - 'Having Fun!'

TACKERS 1

Tackers 1 is where your learn to sail journey begins!

This program is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to dinghy sailing for primary school aged kids (7-12 years).  Suitable for complete beginners.

Kids sail in pairs in small boats called OziOpti’s.  They learn the basics of boat handling, and manoeuvring, practice safety drills and how to recover from a capsize.  All exercises are incorporated into games so the kids are unaware they are in a lesson, they are just having fun.

It’s a great way to meet new friends while mucking about on the water.

“My son is just finishing up Tackers one and he has loved it.  We are so impressed with your kids sailing program and have been telling all our friends about it.  My sons instructor has done an amazing job and we couldn’t be happier.”

“We are extremely pleased with the course which was conducted with great professionalism and good cheer.  Andrew and his young assistant instructors have a terrific connection with the kids who had an unforgettably fun experience.”

session dates & times

THE THINGS YOU WILL LEARN!

Boat Handling

  • Steered with tiller extension under towing paddling power
  • The ability to tie a figure 8 knot, round twice and two half hitches
  • Learnt and practiced how to perform the tack / ‘push turn’
  • Learnt and demonstrated how to gybe / ‘pull turn’
  • Comfortably reached around a figure of 8 course using both tacking and gybing
  • Sailing with the tiller extension (The Microphone Technique!)
  • Learnt to sail upwind and downwind by following the rescue boat

Rules & Safety

  • Swim 50 meters in a PFD
  • Participated in a capsize
  • Participated in rescue drills
  • Realised the most important rule: Always avoid collisions!
  • Understanding of Port / Starboard Right of way

Sailing Theory & Background

  • Identified the ‘no go zone’ and the effects it has on your sailing
  • A background in safety knowledge of tides and currents
  • Basic wind awareness – wind direction and strength
  • Demonstrated respect and care of boats
Tackers 2 - 'Tricks & Techniques'

TACKERS 2

Have you completed Tackers 1?

Enrolment into Tackers 2 requires the skills & knowledge from Tackers 1

This course is designed to build on the experience gained in ‘Tackers 1’, with the children now moving on to sailing the boat by themselves.

New skills and knowledge are introduced that will enable the successful participant to safely and competently sail a dinghy in controlled conditions independently (one child per boat).

“Thank you to all for this program.  It was well run, fun, safe and a great way for my son to spend his holidays.  Will highly recommend to others as a great activity for kids.  My son absolutely loved it and is keen to progress to Tackers 2.  My younger son who is 5 will also join when he is old enough.”

session dates & times

THE THINGS YOU WILL LEARN!

When I’m on the water I can . . . 

  • Sail by myself in most conditions
  • Identify dangerous situations in and around the marina
  • Sit on the side of my boat and face my sail
  • Sail without kneeling
  • Steer and control my sail at the same time
  • Tack my boat facing forward and changing my hands behind my back
  • Reach around a sausage course
  • Know where to have my sail set for all points of sailing
  • Steer using my tiller extension when I’m paddling or being towed
  • Get out of the ‘No Go Zone’

And when I’m on shore I can . . .

  • Name the main ‘points’ of sailing
  • Name the all of the parts of my boat
  • Tie a ‘bowline’ and a ‘reef’ knot
  • Use aids to determine the wind direction and strength
  • Rig and de-rig my boat with assistance
Tackers 3 - 'Sailing Fast!'

TACKERS 3

Have you completed Tackers 2?

Enrolment into Tackers 3 requires the skills & knowledge learnt in Tackers 2.

Upon completion of Tackers 3, sailors will be able to apply knowledge of fundamental boat handling to independently manoeuvre their boat in moderate conditions on all points of sailing.

Thank you, my son had a wonderful 5 days in the Tackers 2 holiday program. We are keen for him to embark on more sailing. See you for Tackers 3.

Session Dates & Times

THE THINGS YOU WILL LEARN!

When I’m on the water I can . . .

  • Sail a windward / leeward course
  • Perform a 360 degree turn
  • Always use my tiller extension like a microphone when I’m sailing
  • Sail a ‘close hauled’ course without assistance
  • Sail standing up in a straight line
  • Identify gusts on the water
  • Gybe without tipping over!
  • Come alongside a stationary object and stop

And when I’m on shore I can . . .

  • Rig and de-rig my own boat
  • Take care of my boat
Tackers - Green Fleet

GREEN FLEET

Have you completed Tackers 3

Enrolment into Green Fleet requires the skills & knowledge from Tackers 3

Green Fleet is the entry level coaching and introductory race program for young sailors (approximately 8 to 13 years) who have successfully completed a Tackers 3 sailing course and who wish to further advance their sailing to competition level.

Sailors will still sail one of the club’s OziOpti’s but are now responsible for rigging their own boats and getting themselves ready for the day’s activities.  This program is very much focused on developing independent & capable sailors.

It’s a great way to meet new friends, practice sailing techniques and to develop an understanding of basic racing rules as you navigate around a course.  There are 12 boats available for each series, so please make sure you register early . . .

We offer two series for the 2022/23 season:

  • Spring Pointscore Series – 16th October to 11th December 2022
  • Summer Pointscore Series – 5th February to 2nd April 2023
REGISTER
2022-23 program
sailing instructions

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN!

When I’m on the water I can……

  • Race using all of the ‘Green Fleet’ rules
  • Raise my centreboard downwind
  • Start a race with flag and sound signals
  • Stay close to the start line
  • Finish most races that I start

And when I’m on shore I can . . .

  • Identify basic flags and their meanings
  • List common race course configurations
  • Change my sail settings
  • Rig and derig my boat from scratch
Course Dates & Times

UPCOMING COURSES

Our Tackers programs are either delivered as a 4 or 5-day school holiday program or as series of sessions over several weeks during terms 1 and 4.

We do also offer 1-day Tackers Intro sessions during school holidays for those who might like to ‘give it a try’ before doing a course.

course dates & times
Course Cost & Discounts

COURSE FEES

Tackers 1 – $315 per student

Tackers 2 – $340 per student

Tackers 3 – $340 per student

Course Fee includes:

  • A minimum of 20 hours of quality tuition by Australian Sailing qualified instructors
  • Small Instructor to Boat ratio of only 1:6
  • Use of Tackers dinghies, including sails & all equipment
  • Use of a lifejacket
  • Provision of on-water safety/coach boats
  • Certificate on attainment of all competencies

GREEN FLEET

Green Fleet Coaching – $220 per participant for each of the Spring and Summer series.

Program Fee includes:

  • A program of quality training with Australian Sailing qualified coaches
  • Small Coach to Boat ratio of only 1:6
  • Use of OziOpti dinghy, including sails & all equipment
  • Use of a lifejacket
  • Provision of on-water safety/coach boats
  • End of series presentation

ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS

The NSW Government is helping kids get active with the new Active Kids program and Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club is an approved provider.

Parents, guardians and carers can apply for two $100 vouchers per calendar year for each school-enrolled child. Apply for your voucher online with Service NSW.

The 16-digit voucher number will need to be submitted at the time of registration.

You must also please use the discount code activekids when registering to deduct the $100 from your invoice total.

MEMBERS DISCOUNT

Current financial NCYC members are offered a discount on training courses for their children or grandchildren – 10% for General Members and 5% for Crew Members.  Please use the discount code GEN-MEMBER or CREW-MEMBER when making payment and we will confirm against your NCYC membership number.

COVID REFUND POLICY

Please consider our COVID Refund Policy to give you reassurance when booking in.

Our Instructors

INSTRUCTORS

Our wonderful team of Instructors & Assistant Instructors are all skilled and experienced sailors, many of whom actively sail themselves every weekend.

All hold specific dinghy qualifications with Australian Sailing (AS) as well as additional & complimentary certifications.

  • AS Dinghy Instructor certificate with Tackers Endorsement
  • Instructor General Principles
  • First Aid certificate
  • Working with Children Check
  • Powerboat Handling certificate and General Boat Licence
Andrew

Andrew

Senior Instructor
Lia

Lia

Tackers Leader
William

William

Tackers Leader

Hugo

Tackers Leader
Chelsea

Chelsea

Tackers Instructor
Jamie

Jamie

Tackers Instructor
Darby

Darby

Tackers Instructor

Bailey

Tackers Instructor

Marcus

Tackers Instructor

Thomas

Tackers Instructor

Georgia

Tackers Instructor

Alyson

Tackers Instructor

Out Instructors are committed to Australian Sailing’s ‘Instructor & Coach Code of Conduct’ and our Code of Conduct under the ‘NCYC Child Safety Strategy’.

The Boats we sail

OZI OPTI

The Tackers program is only delivered in a boat called an OziOpti.

This boat was specifically designed for the program due to its stability and layout and is an ideal introduction to dinghy sailing.  They are made from a moulded plastic that can easily withstand ‘enthusiastic’ young sailors!

The boats allow two kids to sail together and as they gain confidence and move up from Tackers 1 to Tackers 2, they are able to sail the boat alone.  This may vary with the different sizes of the participants.  The Instructors also take into account the sailing ability and confidence of the participants in the given weather conditions.

The boats have built-in buoyancy which means they provide extra stability and perform well even with the weight of adult sized instructors aboard, should they need to help the participants.

What to Bring

WHAT TO BRING

In most cases there’s no need to go off and buy a single thing.  You’ll most likely have the items already at home.

Every time your children launch their boats they will be wading in the shallows.  For this we insist that they wear firm fitting shoes.  An old pair of sneakers will do the job just fine or a pair of those cheap wetsuit shoes from Big W or Kmart.  Crocs are not recommended as the tend to float away!

As we sail in the warmer months, kids usually wear swimmers, and board shorts with a lycra rash shirt.  A long sleeved rash shirt is often best as it will keep the sun off.  A broad brimmed hat and sun cream are a must for sun protection.

If it gets a little cooler a lightweight rain or spray jacket will keep the wind chill factor down, or maybe even a wetsuit or wetsuit shorts.  There is a few different styles of wetsuit but the ideal one is called a ‘spring suit’.  It has short arms and short legs.  These can be found at surf shops and even at Kmart!  The price for these range from $15 – $60.

The club will provide a well fitted lifejacket which is worn at all times whilst on and around the water.

Remember to pack a towel and a change of clothes.  There are showers and change rooms on site.

YOUR TACKERS CHECKLIST

Don’t forget, every time you go sailing with Tackers, to bring the following:

  • Your sailing clothes; swimmers, boardies or wetsuit, rashie, spray jacket & shoes
  • Hat – broad brimmed hat to keep the sun off
  • Sunscreen / zink
  • Drink bottle, lunch & snacks
  • A change of clothes
  • Towel
  • . . . and loads of energy!
Junior Sailing Pathway

JUNIOR PATHWAY

NCYC has developed a comprehensive Sailing Pathway to help guide sailors of all ages and abilities in the right direction and is one of only a few clubs in Australia that deliver all Australian Sailing pathway levels, from the beginnings right through to the advanced programs.

At the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club we are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to progress from learning to sail, into learning to race and into regular club racing.  We are also able to offer a unique boat use and purchase option to NCYC Junior Members and their families.

Typical Weekly Sailing Schedule

Wednesdays

  • Tackers 1 (4:00pm to 6:30pm)
  • Tackers 2 (4:00pm to 6:30pm)
  • Tackers 3 (4:00pm to 6:30pm)
  • OutThere Sailing (4:00pm to 6:30pm)

Fridays

  • Club Racing in O’Pen Skiffs & Lasers (from 5:00pm)

Saturdays

  • Tackers 1 (9:00am to 11:30am)
  • Tackers 2 (9:00am to 11:30am)

Sundays

  • Green Fleet (9:00am to 12:30am)

COURSES FOR THE CHILDREN WHO ARE JUST STARTING OUT

TACKERS 1

This program is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to dinghy sailing for primary school kids.  The course includes an introduction to fundamental boat handling skills and essential safety knowledge.

NCYC Membership: Not required

Boats Used: Ozi Opti (supplied)

Course Dates

TACKERS 2

This course is designed to consolidate the experience and knowledge gained in ‘Tackers 1’.  New skills and knowledge are introduced that will enable the successful participant to safely and competently sail a dinghy in controlled conditions independently.

NCYC Membership: Not required

Boats Used: Ozi Opti (supplied)

Course Dates

TACKERS 3

Upon completion of Tackers 3, sailors will be able to apply knowledge of fundamental boat handling to independently manoeuvre their boat in moderate conditions on all points of sailing.

NCYC Membership: Not required

Boats Used: Ozi Opti (supplied)

Course Dates

COURSES FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE EXCITED TO CONTINUE

NCYC GREEN FLEET

Green Fleet is the entry level learn-to-race program for young sailors who have successfully completed a Tackers 3 sailing course or have some existing sailing skills & experience, and who wish to further advance their sailing to a novice competition level.  Green Fleet is conducted on Sunday mornings to a specific program.  Coaching support is provided to the sailors every week.

Membership: Not required

Boats Used: Ozi Opti (supplied)

Course Dates

 

NCYC INSHORE RACING

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club dinghy racing is conducted on Friday afternoons and there is a specific course set for youth sailors racing in O’Pen Skiffs or in Lasers.

NCYC Membership: All participants are welcomed to become Junior Members of NCYC prior to participating.

Boats Used: O’Pen Skiff, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial – Privately owned boats.

ON WATER Club Racing
Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How old does my child need to be to participate? The Course is open for children between the recommended ages of 7 to 12 years of age for Tackers 1 and up.

Do you have to be a member of the NCYC to participate in Tackers?
No, one of the great things about Tackers is you don’t have to be a member of our club to participate.  In fact at NCYC, kids receive an honorary club membership during their participation in the program.

Do kids need to be able to swim to participate in Tackers?
A competent standard of swimming ability is desirable, however the children will be wearing lifejackets at all times. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk to our Sailing Academy Manager ([email protected]) or the Tackers Instructor if you have any concerns.

What type of boats will the kids be sailing?
The Tackers program is only delivered in a boat called an ‘Ozi Opti’.  This boat was specifically designed for the program, based off an ‘Optimist’ junior racing dinghy.    The boats allow two kids to sail together and as they gain confidence and move up from Tackers 1 to Tackers 2 they are able to sail the boat alone. They are ideal boats for their use in our training fleet due to their stability and layout. They have plenty of buoyancy and perform well with even with the weight of adult sized instructors aboard, should they need to help the participants.

Are the kids out sailing on their own?
When kids start sailing in Tackers 1 they will be sailing in pairs.  This can vary with the different sizes of the participants. The Instructors also take into account the sailing ability and confidence of the participants in the given weather conditions.  There are usually 6-10 boats in a group and there will be an Instructor and an Assistant Instructor in a safety boat supervising the group.  The safety boat stays on the water all the time the kids are sailing.

Can my child sail on the same boat with their friends during the course?
Yes, however if required the instructors may allocate the children into teams if children come to the course on their own.  Instructors will allocate specific teams for reasons associated with ability, safety, behaviour &/or confidence.

What if my child is a little nervous about sailing?
Our Instructors have years of experience in teaching juniors how to sail.  Our primary aim is to provide a fun, exciting and safe boating experience.  Please don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns prior to the lesson with the Instructor.

What safety precautions are there for participants?
We take safety very seriously.  We have on and off water policies that our instructor’s follow and use to base their decisions upon.  When on the water all participants must wear PFD1’s (Australian Standards Approved) which we supply.  The theme of water safety runs throughout the course.  The NCYC Sailing Academy and its instructors adhere to policies and procedures set by our governing body; Australian Sailing.

Are the instructors qualified?
Yes, the instructors and assistants are qualified with Australian Sailing Dinghy Instructor and Assistant Instructor Certificates and are trained specifically for the Tackers courses.  Our Instructors are also trained in Powerboat Handling and hold First Aid Certificates.  All of the coaches are very experienced dinghy sailors themselves.

Do the kids need any special clothing to participate in Tackers?
No, there is no special clothing needed.  We recommend kids wear clothes and shoes that they don’t mind getting wet – swimmers, boardshorts, rash shirts, maybe a wetsuit if you have one and a pair of old sandshoes or slip on wet-shoes.  Always remember to bring a hat for sun protection.  The kids can bring a towel and a change of clothes as we have change room facilities in the main clubhouse, including showers.

Where do we go when we arrive at the Club?
Our Tackers dinghies and Sailing Academy barge are located on F-Arm of our marina – which is right out the front of our clubhouse.  If you come to the harbour-front side of the clubhouse you will see our white Opti dinghies on the marina.  If you wait at the top of the marina your Tackers Leader will meet you there.  Please keep an eye out for cyclists on the public thoroughfare.

Do I need to provide snacks & lunch?
Our weekly Tackers sessions run for 2.5hours so we generally don’t stop for snacks – we’re too busy having fun!  Our Tackers Instructors can take food with them should a child require something within this period.  During our school holiday courses where we run for longer periods, we do encourage the kids to bring lunch & snacks with them in an easily transportable bag/pouch.  These will be taken on the safety boat.  It is very important that the kids bring a waterbottle with them.  Please ensure your child’s name is clearly written on all items.

Where will the children be sailing?
As part of their course, the children need to learn to be towed behind a safety boat, so each lesson we tow the kids up river, under the bridge and we coordinate the lessons from the beach at Carrington.  It is a safe area of water with very little other aquatic traffic.

How long will it take to complete the Tackers program?
We do not limit the number of times a child completes a course level, in fact we encourage children to spend as much time as they need at each level rather than just the minimum hours prescribed.  We recognise that some children take a bit longer to gain confidence or to learn certain skills and we can work to accommodate that.  It may take several sailing seasons to complete all three levels of Tackers confidently.

What can kids do when they finish Tackers?
There are three levels to the Tackers program which kids can progress through.  When they finish Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! they can progress to a program called Green Fleet. This is a program that introduces kids to fun racing. We conduct our Green Fleet on Sunday mornings during Spring and Summer.

What can the kids do when they are too old for Tackers?
We have a great keelboat program available for the kids that are too old or are too tall for Tackers.  Our OutThere Sailing Program is suitable for kids 11 to 17 years and is conducted at NCYC in Newcastle in our fleet of six inshore keelboats called Force 24s.  The program runs on Wednesday afternoon and during school holidays.  Follow this LINK to find out more . . .

Support for Tackers

We are very grateful to have received grant and sponsorship support from our Newcastle Harbour community to update and upgrade some of our equipment used in our Tackers junior learn to sail program.  As the current eighth nationally ranked Tackers participation center, we have close to 250 children learn to sail with us each year.  The support to continue our activities is most appreciated.

Through support from the Orica Community Investment Program Kooragang Island, we were able to purchase 16 new sails for our OziOpti dinghies which are used for our junior Tackers learn to sail program.  The new sails will ensure we are able to continue to offer a fun and engaging outdoor experience to the children of our region for years to come.

Community Sponsorship received from Port of Newcastle provided funds to allow us to purchase a full set of new personal floatation devices (PFD’s) for our Tackers junior learn to sail program.  The new life vests, in a variety of children’s sizes, ensures we can continue to deliver our program with the latest quality safety equipment.

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