Tackers

Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7-12 yrs. Participants learn how to sail small boats with the guidance and expertise of our Australian Sailing qualified instructors. 

Tackers focuses on teaching sailing in a fun and engaging way where participants can sail with friends and make new friendships along the way. 

Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate.

When is it?

2024 Summer season now complete.

Stay tuned to this page for notification of next summers programs at Point Leo BC.

What are the Different Levels?

Tackers 1

 The first level of Tackers designed to foster a fun and safe introduction to sailing. Participants learn how to set up a small sailing boat, participate in fun games and learn the basics of how to sail.

Children will sail in pairs to build their confidence in the boat!

Tackers 2

Enrol into Tackers 2 if you have completed a Tackers 1 course.

This program builds on skills learned in Tackers 1 and focuses on further developing boat handling skills and sailing longer distances on adventure sails. 

Tackers 2 provides the option to sail in pairs or to give solo sailing a try! 

Tackers 3

The final level of Tackers where participants begin to solidify their sailing skills, sail more complex courses and sail solo in a boat.

This program further builds on their current skills developed from Tackers 1 & 2 and aims to develop more complicated and advanced skills. 

Tackers 3 aims to prepare the sailors to sail fast and gives and intro into some racing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a member of Point Leo Boat Club to participate in the Tackers Program

No, one of the great things about Tackers is you don’t have to be a member of a club to participate.  Of course, we’d love all Tackers kids and their families who participate in Tackers to go on to become members. 

Participants must be water confident. Some ability to swim would be preferable, however they will be wearing lifejackets at all times. In the first session, the instructors supervise the group in a 25m swim with their lifejackets on. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk us if they have any concerns.

The Tackers program is delivered in a boat called an Ozi-Opti. This boat is an ideal introduction to dinghy sailing. The boats allow two kids to sail together and as they gain confidence and move up from Tackers 1 to Tackers 2 & 3 they are able to sail the boat single-handed. The boats have built-in buoyancy which means they provide extra stability.

When kids start sailing in Tackers 1 they will be sailing in pairs. There are 6-8 boats in a group and there will be an Instructor and an Assistant Instructor in a safety boat supervising the group. The safety boat stays on the water all the time the kids are sailing.

When the kids progress into Tacker 2 and 3 they will start sailing with one person in each boat, but there will still always be an Instructor and safety boat with them.

No, there is no special clothing needed.  Here is what you need to bring when you go sailing with Tackers:

  • Clothes & Closed Toe Shoes – wear ones that will protect you from the sun and that you don’t mind getting wet and will keep you warm on cold days.  A wet suit is not essential but can be a good idea.
  • A change of clothes and shoes.
  • Towel
  • Drink bottle, lunch and snacks.
  • Hat – to keep you warm and protect you from the sun.
  • Sunscreen – we have more available at the Club

…and loads of energy!  Life jackets are provided.

Tackers Courses are taught by qualified Australian Sailing Instructors from Point Leo Boat Club. They oversee the session planning, delivery, and make sure the kids have fun and develop their skills and confidence in a safe environment. So as a result certain aspects of the program would greatly appreciate support. 

  • We will need help in the morning’s to bring the boats to the beach.
  • Someone to cut the watermelon/ oranges
  • Someone to run the BBQ
  • Promote the Tackers program to their friends and family
  • Encourage and support the kids to learn new skills, develop their sailing ability and meet new friends through Tackers