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 build on skills learned in Tackers 2 and focuses on advanced sailing skills through games and adventures on the water. 

Course Prerequisites

• Water confident
• 7-12 years-old
• Skills, knowledge and experience gained in Tackers 2

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who have completed Tackers 2.

Course Outcome

By the end of the Tackers 3 course, the participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate the correct method and understand the theory of roll tacking and gybing
• Stopping the boat in a confined areas 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
• Start and finish races on a triangle and trapezoid course
• Always use tactical mark roundings in races

You will gain your Tackers 3 completion certificate.