Tackers 1 .

This program is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to dinghy sailing for primary school aged children (7-12 years).

Children learn to sail in pairs in small boats called Ozi Opti’s. They learn the basics of boat handling, and manoeuvring, practice safety drills and how to recover from a capsize. Each session is built around games and playful activities, so it feels more like an adventure than a lesson. It’s the perfect way for young sailors to make new friends while splashing around on the water.

Sailors Competencies.

Boat Handling

• Steered with tiller extension under towing paddling power
• The ability to tie a figure 8 knot, round twice and two half hitches
• Learnt and practiced how to perform the tack / ‘push turn’
• Learnt and demonstrated how to gybe / ‘pull turn’
• Comfortably reached around a figure of 8 course using both tacking and gybing
• Sailing with the tiller extension (The Microphone Technique!)
• Learnt to sail upwind and downwind by following the rescue boat

Rules & Safety

• Swim 50 meters in a PFD
• Participated in a capsize
• Participated in rescue drills
• Realised the most important rule: Always avoid collisions!
• Understanding of Port / Starboard Right of way

Sailing Theory & Background

• Identified the ‘no go zone’ and the effects it has on your sailing
• A background in safety knowledge of tides and currents
• Basic wind awareness – wind direction and strength
• Demonstrated respect and care of boats

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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.