Tackers 7-12
BLAIRGOWRIE YACHT SQUADRON
Tackers 7 - 12 years
Start your child's sailing journey at BYS.
Tackers is a fun, games-based introduction to sailing for kids aged 7–12. No previous sailing experience or BYS membership is required.
Through games and activities on and off the water, kids develop sailing skills, confidence and a love of being on the water in a safe, social and non-competitive environment.
FIND THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU
How does Tackers work?
- 4 or 5-day school holiday program, depending on the course
- Ages 7-12
- No sailing experience or BYS membership required
- Small groups led by Australian Sailing qualified instructors and assistant instructors
- Boats, lifejackets and sailing equipment provided
- Non-competitive and games-based
- Kids can repeat a level until they’re ready to progress
- Every child receives a Certificate of Achievement
Program fees: $415 for non-members | $380 for BYS Junior Members
Includes an Australian Sailing registration fee
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 knot, round twice and two half hitches
- 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 360 and 720-degree turn
Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! This is a chance for the kids to build on the skills they’ve developed in Tackers 1 and 2, sail a training boat with greater independence, and take on new games and challenges, all 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
Ready for more? If your child loves Tackers and wants to keep sailing, the next step is BYS Junior & Youth Sail Training.
Our Junior & Youth Sail Training program runs from November to February, with weekly sessions that help young sailors continue developing their skills, confidence and enjoyment on the water.
As sailors progress, the program is designed around sailing their own boat. For first-year sailors, we also offer the option to use an OziOpti, the same type of boat used in our Tackers program.
Tackers 1 → Tackers 2 → Tackers 3 → BYS Junior & Youth Sail Training → Club Racing, and beyond!
It’s a natural progression from a fun introduction to sailing through to regular participation and developing as a young sailor at BYS.
UPCOMING COURSES
Ready to get sailing? Tackers course bookings are now open!
Give your child a fun introduction to sailing these school holidays. Register now to secure your child’s spot.
Registering your child
Please register using your child’s details, not the parent or carer’s details.
If your child has sailed before, you’ll need their Australian Sailing number to register. If they haven’t sailed before, select Sign Up → New Member and enter your child’s details. Your child will then receive an Australian Sailing number by email.
You can search for existing Australian Sailing numbers online.
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.
Tackers courses are full?
Our Tackers courses are popular and can fill quickly. If you’d like your child to be considered for a place if one becomes available, you can join our Tackers Waiting List.
Join the Tackers Waiting List →
We’ll contact families on the waiting list if a suitable place becomes available. Joining the waiting list does not guarantee a place.
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