Kids Learn to Sail

Learn to Sail Program For Kids

Tackers is a fun introductory program for kids aged 7-12 years old. No sailing experience or club membership is required and all equipment including the boats is provided. All instructors are Australian Sailing qualified.

Kids commence their sailing journey in the Tackers 1 Program, which is a 3-day School Holiday program. After completing Tackers 1, kids transition into the Tackers 2 Program which runs on Saturday mornings throughout the School Term (Terms 1 and 4). The Tackers program is delivered in an Optimist  training boat which is very safe for kids. The boats allow two kids to sail together and as they gain confidence and move up from Tackers 1 to Tackers 2 they are able to sail the boat alone. The boats have built-in buoyancy which means they provide extra stability. Kids must be water confident to take part and wear lifejackets at all times. Tackers 3 and Green Fleet run on Friday evenings throughout the School Term, with a focus on introducing skills to start racing. After graduating from the Tackers and Green Fleet Programs, kids can join competitive racing in the Junior Fleet, which race on Saturday afternoons throughout October-April. Additional After School Training is provided for kids involved in Tackers Programs on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

TACKERS 1 'Having Fun'

How to book?

The next Tackers 1 Program will be in the September School Holidays

  • 3-day course, 9:30am-3:30pm 
  • For kids aged 7-12 years old, no experience required!
  • Cost: $350.00
  • All training gear provided, run by Australian Sailing qualified instructors
  • Dates: 27-29th September, 7-9th October. Registration available early September.
  • For questions please email academy@gosfordsailingclub.com

 

TACKERS 2 'Tricks and Techniques'

How to book?

Core Program: Saturday Mornings October-December 2026

  • 6-week course, 9:00am-11:30am
  • For kids aged 7-12 years old
  • Cost: $450.00
  • All training gear provided, run by Australian Sailing qualified instructors
  • Click on a Course Date below to register (must have completed Tackers 1 Program).

Additional Training: Tuesday and Thursday Evenings

In addition to the Core Program running on Saturday mornings, kids are encouraged to take part in additional training during the week.

    • Click on a Course Date below to register (must be involved in Tackers 2, 3, Green or Junior Fleet).
    • Dates TBC

 

TACKERS 3 'Sailing Fast'

How to book?

Core Program: Thursday Evenings October-December 2026

    • 8-week course, 4:00pm-7:00pm
    • For kids aged 7-12 years old
    • Cost: $450.00
    • All training gear provided, run by Australian Sailing qualified instructors
    • Click on a Course Date below to register (must have completed Tackers 2 Program).
Dates TBC

Additional Training: Tuesday Evenings 
In addition to the Core Program running on Friday evenings, kids are encouraged to take part in additional training during the week.

  • Click on a Course Date below to register (must be involved in Tackers 2, 3, Green or Junior Fleet).
  • Dates TBC

 

Green Fleet 'Start Racing'

How to book?

Core Program: Friday Evenings 

  • 8-week course, 4:00pm-7:00pm
  • For kids aged 7-12 years old
  • Cost: $450.00
  • All training gear provided, run by Australian Sailing qualified instructors
  • Dates TBC 

Additional Training: Tuesday Evenings
In addition to the Core Program running on Friday evenings, kids are encouraged to take part in additional training during the week.

  • Click on a Course Date below to register (must be involved in Tackers 2, 3, Green or Junior Fleet).
  • Dates TBC

 

Junior Fleet (Club Championship/Pointscore Competitors)

What's Next:
Once kids complete the Learn to Sail Green Fleet Program, they can join the Junior Racing Fleet.
The Junior Fleet races every Saturday afternoon. See this page for more information.