SUMMARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Open to all ages and experience levels (with some prior sailing experience), our Saturday Dinghy Sails are designed to get people out on the water more often, build confidence, improve sailing skills, and enjoy being part of the Hillarys Yacht Club sailing community.

Whether you're looking to refresh your skills before a Learn to Sail course, continue sailing after completing Tackers or Start Sailing, or you're an experienced sailor wanting regular time on the water, these relaxed and social sessions are for you.

Each session is supported by Instructors, Assistant Instructors and volunteers, creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Come down, join the crew, and enjoy sailing made simple, social, and fun!

Tackers (Ages 7–14)

Although this program does not follow the Australian Sailing Tackers syllabus or provide a completion certificate, it is the perfect opportunity for young sailors to continue building confidence and developing their skills.

Participants will have access to our Tackers fleet, with more experienced sailors progressing into our fibreglass Optimists as their skills improve.

Teens & Adults (12+)

Teen and adult sailors can enjoy sailing in our RS Quests, Pacers, or Club Lasers.

Whether your goal is to improve boat handling, gain confidence, or simply spend more time on the water, there's a boat and opportunity for everyone.

If you're looking to complete a structured Australian Sailing Learn to Sail course, these continue to be offered during the school holidays with some Sunday course options available.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Our Saturday Dinghy Sails run across the sailing season from September 2026 through to April 2027, with 20 scheduled sailing sessions.

Saturdays: 

• September 12^th, 19^th, 26^th
• October 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 31^st
• November 14^th, 21^st, 28^th
• December 12^th
• January 23^rd
• February 6^th, 13^th, 20^th
• March 6^th, 13^th, 27^th
• April 3^rd, 10^th  

Sessions may occasionally be cancelled due to unsuitable weather conditions. Fees are based on your selected registration option and are not adjusted for weather cancellations. Boat hire is included in all registration options.

FULL SEASON - The best value option for sailors planning to attend regularly throughout the season. Includes all 20 scheduled sailing sessions. Member: $795.00             Non-Member: $895.00

HALF SEASON - Perfect for sailors unable to attend every week. Includes any 10 sessions throughout the season. Participants may select their preferred dates during registration. Member: $425.00             Non-Member: $495.00

5 SESSION PACK - A flexible option for families with busy schedules. Includes any 5 sessions throughout the season. Participants select their preferred dates during registration. Member: $225.00             Non-Member: $275.00

CASUAL DAY RATE - Attend whenever it suits you. Register for individual sessions throughout the season. Participants will nominate the dates they wish to attend to assist with planning. Member: $50.00 per session             Non-Member: $60.00 per session

 

PREREQUISITES
To participate in Saturday Dinghy Sails, sailors should:

• Have previous sailing experience (of any duration). This program is designed for sailors who have already had some exposure to sailing and is not intended for complete beginners.
• Be keen to continue developing their sailing skills within a fun, supportive and safe environment.
• Be able to demonstrate safety and follow directions both on and off the water, to ensure safety at all times.
• Be confident participating in on-water activities while wearing an approved personal flotation device (PFD). We have PFD’s available to borrow if you do not have your own.

 

 

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Experience Overview

This course is for participants keen to experience what dinghy sailing is about.

Course Prerequisites

Water confident.

Who should do this course?

This is the perfect 'taster' for anyone who wants to discover sailing for the first time. This is the perfect introduction and can be the ideal way for you to begin your sailing journey, without having to commit to a full training course.

Course Outcome

Following the course, you will receive a completion certificate.

 

We recognise that some of our course participants are completing the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and may be using sailing and/or club membership to complete one or more sections of The Award. To learn more, click here.