Junior Learn To Sail Program
The Learn to Sail program at South of Perth Sailing Club focuses on creating opportunities to encourage active learning for young sailors and develop broad skills and confidence. We aim to keep sailors engaged and wanting to learn and progress their skills. Typically sailors start at 8 years old. Some may start earlier and some later but we try to have sailors go through the program with similar age groups as friendships and comradery is a major key to their long-term enjoyment.
Once they get used to pushing their learning curve, they are well on their way to developing into resilient and independent sailors.
The Learn to Sail program starts with a Tackers course, which allows sailors and families to see if sailing is a good fit for everyone. If it goes well and the coaches, sailors, and family would like to go further we invite sailors to join our junior learn-to-sail pathway, starting at Green Fleet. Green Fleet is designed to build on the skills introduced through Tackers, as well as help the sailors create connections and friendships within the club community as well as build confidence in the environment. Once the sailors have mastered the foundation skills, the sailors then transition into Bronze Fleet, which introduces higher level skills and refining of their foundation skills, preparing the sailors with all of the skills they will need to be able to sail their boat in a wider range of conditions, tack and gybe with confidence, as well as some fun racing skills to prepare them for racing if they choose. Normally sailors believe in their newfound competence and want more.
If our sailors choose to race, they have an opportunity to be gently introduced to our regular afternoon club racing on our coach-supported “Bravo Course”, teaching them the foundations of racing in Silver Fleet. Their training sessions will help them to further develop their race skills, understand the rules of racing, manoeuver their boat with higher levels of efficiency as well as take the lead in tuning their sails to suit the sailing conditions. Once the sailors feel confident in these new racing skills, they have the chance to challenge themselves in Gold Fleet, whether they regularly compete against sailors from around Perth in local regattas, or even test themselves in National or International events.
The sport is a multifaceted one, with the ability to really shape it as your own and have it take you wherever you would like to go!
There is no rush and no pressure. Our aim is to teach amazing skills whilst having fun.
| Tackers | Learn To Sail (Green Fleet) | Transition (Bronze Fleet) |
|---|---|---|
| Age 7- 10 years old | Age 7- 10 years old | Age 7- 11 years old |
| No Prior Experience | Invitation After Tackers | Next Progression |
| Boat Supplied – Plastic Optimist | Boat Supplied – Plastic Optimist | Fiberglass Optimists |
| School Holidays or weekend Mornings | Tuesday After School & Sunday Mornings | Tuesday After School & Sunday Mornings |
| Four 2.5 Hour Sessions | 5 Week Blocks | 1 Season |
| Tackers | Green Fleet |
Discover Sailing
South of Perth Yacht Club is an Australian Sailing accredited Discover Sailing Centre. The courses include the syllabus from Tackers and we ensure our programs have a focused approach to build resilience and transferable skills that provide better long development and enjoyment.
Membership is required after Tackers and all training is included for members. Sailors progress to the pathway of further skill development with fun and racing if they choose.
Other Learn to Sail Opportunities
Missed the age bracket for the Try Sail?
We have a Teen TrySail available for those who have had a later start into the sport, the course is a slightly more advanced version of the TrySail, ideal for those who have grown a little earlier, are a little older, more mature, or looking for more of a challenge.
The course is designed for 11-13-year-olds and aims to help the sailors slot seamlessly into the junior program, in the slightly larger Open Skiff boats, allowing room for their growth spurt!
OutThere Sailing is the ideal way to have fun and get active on the water and is all about:
- Having fun while experiencing sailing.
- Socialising with friends and making new ones.
- Learning how to sail in an inclusive environment.
- Developing life-long friendships and learning team skills.
This program is aimed at 14-17 year olds who would like to experience Dinghy Sailing, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Powerboating.
This program is a new initiative to encourage adults who are either new to the sport or interested in trying another discipline of sailing to have the opportunity to expand their skills whilst having fun outdoors and socialising. Out There Sailing incorporates a range of on-water activities including:
- Windsurfing
- Stand up paddle
- Hobie sailing
- Keelboat sailing
- Powerboating
This program focuses on the social element of a club environment, simply enjoying time spent with friends whether that be on the water, on the beach or in the clubhouse. It’s a great opportunity to finish work early, be active on the water and then have dinner at the club afterward.
The Club also offers learn to sail for both junior and senior schools in varying formats.
- Sporting Schools programs for Primary Schools
- After school activity
- As a PE class during the school term
- Camp based activities
This program is aimed at 12-17 year olds who would like to try Sailing, Keelboat Sailing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Windsurfing and Powerboating.
Keelboat Learn to Sail is designed for complete beginners and includes 3 levels to progress from novice with no experience to regularly participating on social or serious events. We start with courses teaching the fundamental principles of sailing and provide opportunities to sail with existing members on various boats so you can pick a pathway that suits.
- Step 1 – Start Crewing and Helming Course
- Step 2 – Spinnakers and Start Racing Course
- Club Racing, Weekend or midweek
Discover Sailing Experiences are another option for the Club to give school groups, corporate groups, friends and family a one-off sailing adventure to give a taste of what the sport of sailing is all about.
- Having fun while experiencing sailing.
- Socialising with friends and making new ones.
- Learning how to sail in an inclusive environment.
- Developing life-long friendships and learning team skills.
Have Questions?
For enquiries, please complete the enrolment forms in the relevant section, or if no courses are available or you would like more information please contact us.
