Program Overview

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is excited to launch a refreshed, year-round Performance Squad sailing program beginning in August 2025. This revised format replaces the previous winter-only model with a more flexible and inclusive structure that allows for broader participation across all sailing disciplines and age groups.

The Performance Squad is RGYC’s leading skill development and racing initiative, open to sailors of all ages who demonstrate suitable experience and commitment. Within this program, the Youth Squad forms a key sub-group specifically supporting sailors aged approximately 13-23 years.
The updated program is built on consultation with past squad participants and coaches, with a focus on long-term development, improved access, and continued excellence. Structured skill streams may also be formed based on demand, such as Women’s or Masters teams.

Key Features of the New Format
•    Schedule: Two structured sessions per month – Sunday on-water and Thursday classroom. On-water sessions held on Sundays to avoid conflicts with RGYC racing and regattas as much as possible.
•    Duration: Year-round, ongoing – join at any time.  
•    Format: Practical on-water training focused on teamwork, tactics, rules and skill progression. Sessions will also adapt to upcoming regatta opportunities and squad goals.
•    Age & skill: Open to all age groups with suitable racing experience. Participants must demonstrate competency in keelboat sailing and commitment to the program’s objectives.
•    Pathway Streams: Participants may be grouped into specific squads (Youth, Women, Masters) depending on interest and skill development needs.
•    Classroom Sessions: In addition to on-water coaching, the program includes 6 to 10 webinar or classroom sessions throughout the year. These will cover a range of sailing-specific topics (e.g. tactics, rules, sail shape, regatta prep) and broader skills such as teamwork, communication, and athlete development.
•    Ad-Hoc Access: Sailors may join the program at any point during the year, with session access available on a pro-rata or drop-in basis. This allows flexibility for those with seasonal commitments or travel obligations.

Program Purpose & Objectives
These changes are designed to:
•    Remove the time pressure of a compressed 3-month program and allow sailors to develop over time.
•    Enable greater participation across age groups and disciplines, especially for those involved in other classes or sports.
•    Foster team dynamics, leadership, and versatility through rotating crew roles.
•    Build tactical understanding, racing rules application, and regatta readiness.
•    Support RGYC representation at local and national events.

Annual Performance Milestones
While not part of the formal Performance Squad calendar, the following regattas are strongly encouraged for squad members to champion, attend, and perform at:
-    Spring: 2K Team Racing Regatta – a high-level team competition with national club participation.
-    Summer: RS21 Race Days & Youth Series – a key performance focus and opportunity to showcase skills developed throughout the year.
-    Autumn: 2K Team Racing Victorian Championship – a high-level team competition and the capstone teams racing event for squad members.

Initial Program Focus – August to September 2025
The first major focus of the refreshed squad will be preparing teams for the 2K Team Racing event to be held at RGYC in September 2025. Sessions between August and September will target:
-    Short-course racing fundamentals
-    Team racing communication and strategy
-    Crew rotation and consistency
-    Pre-regatta team selection and practice

Eligibility and Commitment
-    Participants shall be current financial members of RGYC.
-    Prior keelboat or dinghy racing experience is required.
-    This is not a learn-to-sail program; all participants should be able to race a course and work as part of a keelboat crew.

Program Fees & Participation Options
To ensure accessibility while supporting the program’s sustainability and future growth, RGYC offers three ways to participate in the Performance Squad.
Full Program – Annual access to all on-water and classroom sessions. Includes team top and priority regatta support - $650.00
Month by Month – Includes that month’s on-water session and any classroom sessions. $65.00 per month, allowing flexibility for participants.
Casual Access – Drop-in registration per session. $80 on-water / $25 classroom.

Financial assistance or payment plans available on request. RGYC is committed to supporting sailors' development regardless of financial background.
A portion of every registration supports the RGYC Performance Program Fund, reducing regatta costs and building future resources.

Register via the RGYC Sailing Office or email sailing@rgyc.com.au

Coaching Team
The Performance Squad is coached by highly respected professionals, including:
•   Tony Bull – Sailmaker and international-level keelboat coach.
•   Mark Tonner-Joyce – National-level coach with extensive youth and Olympic development experience.
•   Drew Malcolm – RGYC’s Sailing Manager with experience across high-performance programs, club coaching and professional sailing.

Our coaching philosophy blends high-performance expectations with a positive, athlete-focused environment. Training will include tactical instruction, boat handling drills, match racing preparation, and holistic athlete development (mental and physical).

---

Program Focus:

The Advanced Fleet Program is designed to enable participants to train to compete.

The coaching is regular, with extended personal commitment, plus commitment to club and class association racing or competition.