Learning to sail is one of the most satisfying, inclusive and fulfilling activities a child can do.
Particularly when you get to do it with your friends!
OutThere Sailing is for 11-17 year olds who want to try sailing in a non-competitive, social and fun setting
Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate. All the equipment, including the boats and lifejackets, is provided.
A 1-day option to ‘give sailing a try’ before committing to a full course, or just because you want to have a fun day out on the water.
Most often conducted during the school holidays, running from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Absolutely no prior sailing skills needed, we cater for complete beginners. Come along with a friend and spend the day learning something new!
If you enjoy the day, you can enrol in one of our school holiday courses or join a term-based course.
An after-school youth sailing program on inshore keelboats.
Catering for absolute beginners as well as upskilling current sailors into keelboats.
The program allows both complete novices to learn to sail and experienced dinghy sailors a guided transition into keelboat sailing. By running the two levels of the program side-by-side sailors can see the progressions available.
We continue to build on individual sailing skills week to week so that the young sailors are always learning.
We aim to progress all sailors to the point that they can confidently, with their crew, sail a keelboat themselves without the instructor on board.
These courses can lead interested participants into our Youth Keelboat Squad program – a winter coaching program aimed at racing in events with teams from other yacht clubs in NSW. We encourage all OutThere sailors to join the Development Squad.
We also encourage our OutThere sailors to consider our Youth League sailing in the Elliott 6s on Friday afternoons, as well as our Youth Development Regatta and/or Academy Graduates Development Regatta.
Who is OutThere Sailing suitable for?
OutThere Sailing is for ages 11–17, welcoming beginners and experienced sailors. No sailing experience or club membership is required. Contact us to discuss suitability for younger children.
Does my child need to be able to swim?
Swimming confidence is desirable. Lifejackets are supplied and worn throughout sailing. Please discuss any swimming concerns with us before booking.
What boats do participants sail, and how are they supervised?
We primarily use Force 24 keelboats, with an instructor and up to four participants aboard. Pacer dinghies may also be used. Australian Sailing qualified instructors lead sessions on Newcastle Harbour.
Can my child join with a friend?
Absolutely! OutThere Sailing is about enjoying sailing with friends and making new ones.
What if my child is nervous?
Let our instructors know before the session so we can help them feel comfortable.
What should my child wear and bring?
Clothing may get wet. Label belongings; boats and lifejackets are supplied.
Where do we meet?
Meet your instructor at the top of F-Arm in NCYC’s marina, directly outside the clubhouse.
Can my child keep attending?
Yes! Participants can return to keep developing skills and enjoying time on the water.
What comes next?
OutThere Sailing Experience is a great introduction, followed by ongoing sailing and development through OutThere Sailing. For those interested in racing, we can help them join junior racing with a friend at another local club. Our Youth Keelboat Squad offers further coaching and racing development.
Number 1 National Keelboat Program centre in Australia
Number 2 Discover Sailing Centre in Australia
Number 4 Tackers centre in Australia
Number 5 OutThere Sailing centre in Australia
Australian Sailing Annual Participation Report for year end 2024
Contact Us:
For more information or assistance with booking, please contact us at the Sailing Academy!
(02) 4940 8188
sailingacademy@ncyc.net.au
