Royal Yacht Club of Victoria’s Off the Beach (OTB) is home to the Club’s dinghy sailors, bringing together juniors, youth and sailors of all ages who enjoy sailing and racing on the water.
Based around its own clubhouse within the Club grounds, OTB is a place to race, train, learn new skills and enjoy the social side of sailing. For younger sailors, it provides an opportunity to build confidence, make friendships and develop a lifelong love of sailing.
From learning to sail in an Optimist or Cadet, to Sunday Club racing and progressing towards state, national and international competition, OTB provides opportunities for sailors to develop their skills and grow with the sport.
Sunday OTB Club Racing
During the summer sailing season, OTB Club Racing is held every Sunday afternoon. Dinghy sailors are welcome to enter and turn up for racing, with classes including ILCAs, 420s, 29ers, Mirrors, Pacers, Optimists and International Cadets.
Sunday racing provides an opportunity to get regular time on the water, develop racing skills and enjoy sailing alongside other Club members.
Junior & Youth Coaching
Royals has a strong focus on junior and youth sailing, with coaching in the International Optimist and International Cadet classes.
The Optimist allows young sailors to develop their boat handling, sailing and racing skills independently. The International Cadet is a two-person dinghy sailed with three sails, mainsail, jib and spinnaker, introducing young sailors to three-sail sailing, teamwork, communication and sail trim. These skills provide an excellent foundation for sailors who may later move into larger boats and keelboat sailing.
Children from around 7 years of age can begin as crew in a Cadet, sailing with an older or more experienced skipper. They don’t need to own a boat and can build their skills and confidence as part of a team.
As sailors progress, they can move into skippering their own boat, Club racing and larger regattas, both national and international. The Club also has junior Optimists and International Cadets available to charter, making it easier for families to get started.
Junior coaching generally takes place most weekends during summer, with a reduced training schedule during winter.
More Than Sailing
The OTB clubhouse provides a place for sailors and families to come together before and after sailing, as well as for social activities, boat preparation and working bees.
Junior coaching, Club racing, regattas and social events are supported by volunteers, with opportunities to develop skills including powerboat handling, safety boat operations, start boat duties, crane operation and marine radio.
For many young sailors, OTB becomes much more than learning how to sail. It is a place to develop independence, confidence and teamwork, make lasting friendships and discover a sport they can enjoy for many years to come.
For more information, contact the Club on (03) 9397 1277 or otb@rycv.com.au.