Royal Melbourne Yacht SquadronTackers 1 Sailing Course – After-School Program (February–March 2026)

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Course Overview

Royal MelbourneYS is excited to offer this course, providing children aged 7–12 with a fun, safe, and affordable way to get into sailing. As always, we offer flexibility for missed sessions—kids can make up missed Thursday sessions during the week, holidays, or winter, depending on availability.

Duration: 8 weeks on Thursdays after schoolTotal Course Hours: 16 hours

Dates:

• February 2026: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
• March 2026: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Session Times: Every Thursday, 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

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Cost

• Monthly Fee: $200
• First Month Payment: Due at registration
• Future Payments: Arranged and communicated separately

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Who Should Do This Course?

This course is designed for participants aged 7–12 who wish to have fun and learn the basics of sailing through games on and off the water.

Prerequisites:

• Water confident

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Course Outcomes

By the end of the Tackers 1 course, participants will be able to:

• Steer with tiller extension under towing, paddling, and power
• Tie a figure-eight knot, round turn, and two half-hitches
• Tack (push turn)
• Gybe (pull turn)
• Sail around a figure-eight course using both tacking and gybing
• Sail with tiller extension
• Sail upwind and downwind by following the safety boat

Upon completion, participants will receive their Tackers completion certificate.

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Cancellations & Rebooking

• Missed Days: If your child misses a single day, it cannot be rescheduled or refunded unless due to illness (a medical certificate or proof will waive the charge).
• Refund Policy: In line with Victorian regulations, we do not offer refunds. However, if Royal MelbourneYS must cancel or reschedule a session, we will work with you to find the best alternative solution for your child’s sailing experience.

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Sun Protection

The Australian sun can be very strong. To ensure safety:

• Parents must apply sunscreen to their children before arrival.
• Kids must bring extra sunscreen for reapplication.
• Club Policy:
  • Instructors cannot apply sunscreen to children.
  • Sunscreen will be dispensed onto children’s hands for self-application under supervision.
  • If a child refuses to apply sunscreen, they will not be allowed on the water and must remain in class. Parents will be contacted for pickup, and no make-up sessions or refunds will be provided.
• Mandatory Items: Cap, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
• Recommended: Water bottle.

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Safety & Collection Policy

• Attendance: Parents/guardians must sign the attendance sheet upon arrival and again at pickup.
• Independent Return: If your child is permitted to return home alone, we require an email confirmation sent to training@rmys.com.au.
• Late Pickup Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for every 15 minutes after the course ends.

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Footwear Requirements

• Mandatory: Closed-toe shoes (no sandals, flip-flops, or open shoes).
• Consequences:
  • Children without appropriate footwear will not be allowed on the water.
  • Parents/guardians will be contacted for pickup.
  • No refunds or make-up sessions will be offered.

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Clothing Recommendations

• Essential: Waterproof jacket and wetsuit (recommended).
• Note: Dinghy sailing can be wet, so a change of clothes is advised.
• Facilities: Changing rooms and hot showers are available at the Club.

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Meeting Point

• Location: Training Room at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
• Access: Front entrance or rear gate (if you have your fob).
• Daily Activities: Classroom theory, rigging/packing dinghies, and on-water practice.

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Weather Notice

Sailing is heavily influenced by weather conditions. There may be instances where training needs to be cancelled, postponed, or altered at the instructor’s discretion due to conditions.

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For any questions, please contact us at training@rmys.com.au. We look forward to sailing with you! ⛵

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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.