Tackers

Westernport Yacht Club - Australian Sailing Accredited Training Centre

Westernport Yacht Club is accredited with Australia’s peak body for sailing and power boating, Australian Sailing, as a ‘Discover Sailing Centre’.  

Tackers Program

If you are aged seven to 12 years old you might like to participate in our highly regarded Tackers programs.  Facilitated by qualified and experienced Instructors and Assistant Instructors, there are three levels which introduce, consolidate and advance young people’s skills in skippering, crewing and competing in sailing dinghies off the beach.

About Tackers

Tackers at Westernport is about to enter its 17th Year. Since beginning the courses in December 2007 we have seen well over 500 children pass through the Westernport Tackers Centre. Last season saw 60 children take part in either Tackers 1, 2 or 3 programs. We expect to see many of these children return this coming season. Several children have purchased their own boats and are now competing in Club races and in other regattas around the State and Australia. Several have become Instructors at our centre.

“Tackers” learn to sail program is aimed at Primary School aged children. It provides fully accredited Instructors with Australian Sailing. We are one of several official Tackers Centres in Victoria.

What to expect

Tackers One - Having fun
Tackers Two - Tricks & Techniques
Tackers Three - Sailing Fast
All courses run for 20 hours

All children receive a cap and water bottle  at the commencement of each course.

Do we need our own boat to learn to sail?

The Westernport Tackers Centre has 12 boats which were purchased through the generosity of several local sponsors. Life jackets are supplied for all participants.

Further information for 2023/24 Courses

Tackers 1 course price is $250, Tackers 2 course price is $325 and Tackers 3 course price is $325. 

Participants who are members of a reciprocal rights yacht club are entitled to a $50 discount (YA number of child must be supplied at time of request).  

If you are claiming the discount for Yacht Club membership you must supply an Australian Sailing number obtainable from the membership Secretary at your Yacht Club.

Places in courses will not be confirmed until form and payment are received

Enrolments for the season for first time WYC Tackers will open on November 1. Please download the Application Form in PDF or Word format, complete the form and submit as per instructions on the form

For more details regarding our Tackers program, look at our Training Centre Calendar or contact our Tackers Coordinator on wyctackers@live.com

Too old for Tackers?

If you no longer fit into our Tackers cohort, you might like to participate in one of our other learn to sail or learn to race dinghy programs.  Our training programs can be tailored to your needs and level of skill or confidence – including 1:1 training, small group training for couples or families, or larger sail training programs open to the public.  Look at our Discover Sailing Centre calendar for details of our upcoming programs, or to speak with the Sail Training Coordinator about individual or small group training.  Email trainingcentre@westernport.org.au for more information.