The Tackers Junior sailing program is a program for primary school aged children 7-12 years of age. Designed around kids, for kids, the Tackers junior sailing program seeks to provide a vibrant new approach to sail training that recognises that the learning styles of children differs from those of adults. We also offer Youth OutThere programs for 13 – 17 year olds and Adult keelboat programs for those coming into sailing later in life
The program is based around some core values that inform everything that is delivered and communicated about the program. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience and they don’t need to have their own boat. All the equipment, including life jackets and boats, is provided. They don’t even need to be a member of the Club to participate, though of course we would be delighted if ultimately they decided to join up.
To enrol in a course you can click the course you are interested in and enrol online.
Tackers Values:
- Kid Centric
- Non-competitive, fun and social
- Delivered by professional, young, instructors
- Program consistent across locations
- Branded modern presentations
- Target kids outside of existing yacht club membership
- Value for money relative to programs in other sports
- Graduate pathway over several steps and seasons
Tackers Intro
Ideal for first-time sailors that are not yet ready to commit to a full Tackers 1
Tacker Intro is the first day of a Tackers 1 course and is great for children that are not sure if they will enjoy Sailing. We keep a spot available for the Tackers Intro children to continue for the full Tackers 1 course if they enjoy the Intro.
Tackers 1 – Having Fun
Ideal for first-time sailors
Tackers 1 introduces children to the basics of sailing in a safe and exciting environment. No prior sailing experience is required. Participants learn how to rig their boat, sail across the wind, steer, stop, and return safely to shore — all while playing games and making new friends. Two children per boat.
Skills covered include:
- Basic boat parts and rigging
- Sailing across the wind
- Steering and stopping
- Safety on and around the water
Tackers 2 – Tricks and Techniques
For sailors who have completed Tackers 1
Tackers 2 builds on the fundamentals with kids now sailing in a boat by themselves and introduces more sailing skills and confidence. Children learn to sail in different directions, improve boat control, and begin racing-style activities in a fun, supportive setting.
Skills covered include:
- Sailing upwind and downwind
- Tacking and gybing
- Improving boat balance and control
- Capsize recovery
- Introduction to sailing courses
Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast
For confident sailors ready to advance
Tackers 3 focuses on refining skills and sailing faster with better control. Sailors start to think tactically, sail independently, and are introduced to more advanced racing concepts, setting them up for ongoing sailing or club racing pathways.
How to register for an Australian Sailing course at RYCV…
To register for all sailing courses at RYCV, you will need an Australian Sailing number. This is your unique identifier that recognises you as a member and/or course participant. If you already have an Australian Sailing number, you can look it up here. If you do not have one, then there is an option to Sign Up for an Australian Sailing number when registering for a course or Discover Sailing experience for the first time (follow the links via course registration). There is no charge to get an Australian Sailing number.
Once registered, you will receive a number, a username and an online profile. The benefits of this include being able to enrol in any national sailing courses, register for a ‘SailPass’, and to keep a record of your memberships, courses and qualifications.
WEEKEND PROGRAMS
TERM 1 2026
Tackers Intro – 14th Feb 9:00am – 12:00am $80
Tackers 1 – 14th, 21st, 28th Feb, 14th, 21st, 28th Mar 9:00am – 12:00pm $330
Tackers 2 – 14th, 21st, 28th Feb, 14th, 21st, 28th Mar 1:00pm – 4:00pm $330
Tackers 3 – 15th, 22d Feb, 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th Mar 1pm – 4pm $330
Greenfleet – 15th, 22d Feb, 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th Mar 9:00pm – 11:30pm $330
TERM 4 2026
Tackers Intro TBA
Tackers 1 TBA
Tackers 2 TBA
Tackers 3 TBA
Greenfleet TBA
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS:
EASTER HOLIDAYS 2026
Tackers Intro Monday 13th April 9:00am – 12:30
Tackers 1 – Monday 13th – Friday 17th April 9:00am – 12:30pm
Tackers 2 – Monday 13th – Friday 17th April 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Tackers 3 – Tuesday 7th – Friday 10th 9:00am – 1:30pm
SEPT/OCT HOLIDAYS 2026
Tackers Intro Monday 21st Sept 9:00am – 12:30
Tackers 1 – Monday 21st – Friday 25th Sept 9:00am – 12:30pm
Tackers 2 – Monday 28th Sept – Friday 2nd Oct 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Tackers 3 – Monday 21st – Friday 25th Sept 9:00am – 1:30pm
JAN HOLIDAYS 2027
Tackers Intro Monday 11th Jan 9am – 12:30pm $80
Tackers Intro Monday 18th Jan 9am – 12:30pm $80
Tackers 1 Monday 11th Jan – Friday 15th Jan 9am – 12:30pm $330
Tackers 1 Monday 18th Jan – Friday 22rd Jan 9am – 12:30pm $330
Tackers 2 Monday 18th Jan – Friday 22nd Jan 1pm – 4.30pm $330
Tackers 3 Monday 11th Jan – Friday 15th Jan 1pm – 4.30pm $330