DBYC Friday Afternoon Learn to Sail – Tackers Program

DBYC is offering our 6-week Friday afternoon Learn to Sail program, running from Friday 6 February to Friday 20 March 2026
(No session on Friday 6 March due to the long weekend).

Sessions run from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, with Tiny Tackers finishing at 7:00pm.

Program options

• Tiny Tackers (ages 5–7)

• Tackers 1 – Having Fun

• Tackers 2 – Tips & Tricks

• Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast

This program is a fun-focused introduction to sailing, covering all the basics in a safe and supportive environment.

• Tackers 1 focuses on building water confidence and learning how to rig a boat, tack, and sail across the wind.

• Tackers 2 keeps the fun front and centre while introducing gybing, getting out of irons, and sailing around a triangle course.

• Tackers 3 focuses on advancing sailing skills through games and on-water adventures.

Once enrolled, sailors will be grouped into appropriate classes based on age and ability.

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Minimum age

Sailors must be 8 years or older to participate in the Tackers courses.
(Tiny Tackers is specifically designed for younger sailors aged 5–7.)

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What to bring

All sailors are required to wear:

• A lifejacket

• Hat and sunscreen

• Closed-toe shoes (old runners or wetsuit boots — no thongs or Crocs)

Please bring your own lifejacket if possible. These can be purchased from outdoor retailers such as Anaconda, Sport Phillip Marine or BCF. DBYC has a limited supply available to borrow if requested. You'll also need a full water bottle, snack, towel and a change of clothes each session.

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Course Overview
This course aims to provide children aged 7-12 with a fun, safe and affordable way to get into sailing. 

Course Prerequisites

• Water confident
• 7-12 years-old

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who wish to have fun and learn the basics of sailing through games on and off the water.

Course Outcome

By the end of the Tackers 1 course, the participants will be able to:

• Steer with 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 of 8 course using both tacking and gybing
• Sail with tiller extension
• Sail upwind and downwind by following the safety boat

You will gain your Tackers 1 completion certificate.