Tackers 7-12
BLAIRGOWRIE YACHT SQUADRON
Tackers 7 - 12 years
Start out on the right course. Registrations now open.
When thinking about getting their kids into sailing many parents ask, what’s the best age to start? At BYS, where we’ve had generations of kids learn the skills they need to feel confident and in control on-the-water, we believe that’s an individual decision. But in our experience, new sailors from age 7 -12 have what it takes to start their sailing life, and that’s what Tackers is all about.
If your kids are keen to sail but don’t know how or they just want to get into a boat, this pathway program helps lay down the skills they need that will be with them for life.
It’s a fun, games-based sailing program designed for kids with no sailing experience. And no club membership is needed to get started. All they need is to get ready to have fun!
FIND THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU
How does Tackers work?
Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7 – 12 years-old. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate.
The program is delivered by experienced and engaging instructors with all equipment provided. It’s packed with games based activities on and off the water, in a non-competitive, social atmosphere. Sailing is great for building resilience, independence and confidence.
- The program is a 4 or 5-day holiday program run during school holidays and over summer.
- The program is delivered in small groups by an Australian Sailing qualified Instructor and Assistant Instructors.
- All equipment is provided.
- Tackers Children receive a Tackers kit to keep.
- All children receive a certificate of achievement at the completion of each program.
Cost
$415, inclusive of $20 Australian Sailing fee
$380, inclusive of $20 Australian Sailing fee – discounted for BYS Junior Members
Tackers 1 – Having Fun: is all about having fun!
Kids sail in pairs in small boats, this is a great way to introduce kids to the water and the feeling of being on the water in a boat. Sailing with others in their group is a great way to meet friends.
Tackers 1 kids will learn to:
- Steer with the tiller extension under towing paddling power
- Tie a figure 8 know, round twice and two half hitchers
- Tack (push turn)
- Gybe (pull turn)
- Reach around a figure 8 course using both tacking and gybing
- Sail with tiller extension
- Sail upwind and downwind by following the safety boat
Tackers 2 – Tricks & Techniques: is about learning tricks and techniques to help the kids sail the boat, and if they are feeling confident, they can sail the boats on their own with lots of support, supervision and encouragement from our Australian Sailing qualified Instructors and Assistant Instructors.
Tackers 2 kids will learn to:
- Get out of irons on their own
- Safely gybe the boat
- Correctly use the tiller extension
- Sailing around a triangle course, including:
- Upwind – on a close hauled course tacking through the ‘no go zone’
- Downwind – with centreboard up
- Reaching – correct sail position
- Demonstrate a 260 and 720-degree turn
Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! This is a chance for the kids to sail a boat on their own, learning how to make the boat go faster and playing more games, all whilst under the guidance and supervision of our Australian Sailing qualified Instructors and Assistant Instructors.
Tackers 3 kids will learn to:
- Practice and understand the theory of roll tacking and gybing
- Stopping the boat in a confined area for a period of time
- Sail backwards
- Understand the theory behind gybing and can demonstrate the action downwind
- Show a sound knowledge of the five essentials: centreboard position, boat trim, boat balance, course made good, sail trim
Tips for registering
When registering, make sure you enter your child’s details – we know Tackers sounds funs, but parent’s this course isn’t for you.
If your child has sailed before, they will have an Australian Sailing number which you’ll need during registration. You can seach for Australian Sailing numbers online.
If your child has NOT sailed before, instead of entering an Australian Sailing number and submit, please click ‘Sign Up’ and then New Member, entering your child’s details. You will then receive your child’s Australian Sailing number via email.
We adhere to specific participant to instructor ratios for a safe and quality program. Our courses often book out quickly so we recommend securing your preferred course as early as possible. If the course you were after is fully booked, add your details to the “waiting list” and we will contact you if a spot becomes available.
Child Safeguarding
We are committed to sport environments that are safe, supportive and friendly for children and young people. We have zero tolerance for any behaviours that put the well-being of children and young people at risk. All employees that will work with Children undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.
UPCOMING COURSES
Missed out on your preferred course dates?
Add your details to our waiting list and we’ll contact you if a spot becomes available.
