Tackers 1 is an introduction to sailing for beginner-level sailors aged 7 to 12 years old. No experience is necessary, just some water confidence. The course is all about having fun on, around and in the water, with close supervision by Australian Sailing-qualified instructors. Learn-to-sail Ozi Opti dinghies are used for this course.  RGYC strictly abides by the Australian Sailing instructor/student ratios - places are therefore limited so we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment. 

Dates: Monday 28th September to Thursday 1st October, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Cost: $340

Please note we have Tackers courses (all levels) scheduled for both weeks of the holidays. Numbers may dictate we can only run some courses on one of the weeks. Flexibility to shift weeks is suggested.

Member Discount: RGYC Members, and children or grandchildren of members, are eligible for a 10% discount on all RGYC sailing courses. Please contact the Sailing Office via sailing@rgyc.com.au to obtain a discount code.

Complimentary Club Membership: Completion of this course qualifies the participant to a one-time, three month academy membership at RGYC, commencing from the course completion date. Membership gives a 10% discount on any subsequent course booked during the complimentary period. This offer excludes Discover Sailing experiences, powerboat programs and coaching courses, and is only available to individuals who have not previously been a member of Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

Registering:  If your child is new to sailing you will need to generate an Australian Sailing Number as part of the registration process. Simply click "Sign Up" to create a free Australian Sailing membership.

If you have any queries or would like further information please contact the RGYC Sailing Office by phone 0422 813 204 or email sailing@rgyc.com.au

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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.