Junior Tackers Sailing (7-12yrs)

“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.”

THE THINGS YOU WILL LEARN!

Boat Handling

• Steered with tiller extension under towing/paddling power
• The ability to tie a ‘figure 8′ knot and ’round twice & two half hitches’
• Learnt and practised how to perform the tacking ‘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 using the ‘microphone technique’
• Learnt to sail upwind and downwind by following the support boat

Rules & Safety

• Swim 50meter 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 effect it has on your sails
• A background in safety knowledge of tides and currents
• Basic wind awareness – wind direction and strength
• Demonstrated respect and care of boats and equipment

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.  My younger son who is 5 will also join when he is old enough.”

THE THINGS YOU WILL LEARN!

When I’m on the water I can . . .

• Sail by myself in most conditions
• 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 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 Im 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 all 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
• Identify dangerous situations in and around the marina

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does my child need sailing experience or club membership?
No—Tackers 1 welcomes complete beginners, and membership isn’t required. Tackers Intro is an optional opportunity to try sailing first.

What ages is Tackers suitable for?
Tackers is designed for ages 7–12. Contact us to discuss younger children or whether OutThere Sailing would suit an older child.

Does my child need to be able to swim?
Children should feel comfortable in the water. Lifejackets are supplied and worn throughout water activities. Please discuss any swimming or confidence concerns with us before booking.

How are children supervised?
Australian Sailing qualified instructors supervise from safety boats throughout sailing. Beginners generally sail in pairs, progressing to sailing independently as their skills and confidence develop.

Can my child sail with a friend?
Yes—let the instructors know. Pairings may change to suit safety, confidence and learning needs.

What should my child bring?

• Swimmers or boardshorts and a rash shirt.
• Enclosed, secure-fitting shoes suitable for getting wet.
• Hat and sunscreen.
• Water bottle; lunch and snacks for holiday courses.
• Towel and dry clothes.
• A spray jacket or wetsuit for cooler days, if available.

Label belongings. Boats and lifejackets are supplied.

Where do we meet?
At NCYC’s Sailing Centre in Carrington, across the harbour from the main clubhouse.

What comes after Tackers?
Children progress through Tackers 1, 2 and 3 at their own pace. We can then help them take the next step into junior racing with a friend at another local club. Older children can explore OutThere Sailing, with Youth Keelboat Squad offering further coaching and racing development.