DBYC Sunday Learn to Sail – Tackers & Green Fleet Programs

DBYC is offering our Sunday Learn to Sail programs, running on the Sunday mornings, from Sunday 8 February to Sunday 22 March.
(No session on Sunday 8 March due to the long weekend).

Session times

• Morning session: 9:00am – 12:00 noon
• Afternoon session: 12:30pm – 3:30pm (Tackers 3 and Green Fleet Only)

Program options

• Tiny Tackers (ages 5–7)
• Tackers 1 – Having Fun
• Tackers 2 – Tips & Tricks
• Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast
• Green Fleet - Have Completed Tackers and ready to keep learning

This program provides a fun-focused introduction and progression pathway in 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, challenges and on-water adventures.
• Green Fleet Kids supports sailors who are ready to build confidence racing in a supportive, non-intimidating environment.

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

Session preference (Tackers 3 & Green Fleet Kids)

For Tackers 3 and Green Fleet Kids, we expect to run sessions in either the morning (9:00am – 12:00 noon) and/or afternoon (12:30pm – 3:30pm).

Please indicate your preferred session time when booking. At this stage, we cannot guarantee session preferences, but we will do our best to accommodate families where possible.

Minimum age

Sailors must be 8 years or older to participate in the Tackers and Green Fleet programs.
(Tiny Tackers is designed specifically 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.  Wetsuits are recommended. Remember to bring a full water bottle, snack, lunch, 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.