Tackers is an introductory, fun, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7 to 12. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience and they don’t have to be a member of Elwood Sailing Club to participate. All the equipment, including the boats, is provided.
The Tackers Program is delivered in small groups by a Yachting Australia qualified Instructor and Assistant Instructors.
There are three levels that kids can progress through:
Tackers 1 – Having Fun
Tackers 2 – Tricks & Techniques
Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast!
In Tackers 1 – Having Fun – kids sail in pairs in small boats. It’s a great way to meet new friends and kids have the chance to sail with others in their group.
Tackers 2 – Tricks & Techniques – If kids are confident, they can sail a boat on their own with lots of support, supervision and encouragement from the Instructor and Assistant Instructors.
The final level is Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! This is a chance for the kids to sail boats on their own, learning how to make the boat go faster and playing more games, all whilst still under the guidance and supervision of the Instructor and Assistant Instructors.
Each level involves 20 hours of participation structured as a 5 day holiday program or as a series of sessions during term either on a Saturday or Sunday.
Kids receive a Tackers kit at the start of every level and a certificate of achievement at the end.
TACKERS LEVEL 1 TACKERS LEVEL 2 TACKERS LEVEL 3
Who should I contact to find out more?
For any enquiries please contact the Elwood Sailing Club Tackers Leader on 03 9531 4743 or email training@elwoodsc.com
How can parents/guardians be involved?
Tackers programs are fully supervised by Yachting Australia qualified Instructors and Assistant Instructor employed by the club. They oversee the session planning, delivery, and make sure the kids have fun and develop their skills and confidence in a safe environment.
We also like parents and guardians to be involved in Tackers. No knowledge of sailing is required, but there are many non-instructing roles that parents and guardians are requested to assist with:
Helping the kids move boats to and from the water.- Standing in the shallows to assist the kids with launching and retrieving their boats.
- Going on rescue boats to assist the instructors.
- Going to the local shops to buy fruit, bread and sausages (paid for by the club).
- Cutting up fruit for the kids.
- Cooking the sausages on the BBQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be a member of a club to participate in Tackers?
No, one of the great things about Tackers is you don’t have to be a member of Elwood Sailing Club to participate. In fact, kids receive an honorary club membership during their participation in the program.
Do kids need to be able to swim to participate in Tackers?
Some ability to swim would be preferable, however they will be wearing lifejackets at all times. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk to the Tackers Club Leader or the Tackers Instructor if they have any concerns.
What type of boats will the kids be sailing?
The Tackers program is only delivered in a boat called an OziOpti. This boat was specifically designed for the program and 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 they are able to sail the boat alone. The boats have built-in buoyancy which means they provide extra stability.
Are the kids out sailing on their own?
When kids start sailing in Tackers 1 they will be sailing in pairs. There are usually 6 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.
Do the kids need any special clothing to participate in Tackers?
No, there is no special clothing needed.
We recommend kids wear clothes and shoes that they don’t mind getting wet and bring a towel and a change of clothes with them. Click here to download the Tackers Checklist of What to Bring.
What can kids do when they finish Tackers?
There are three levels to the Tackers program which kids can progress through. When they finish Tackers 3 – Sailing Fast! they can progress to a program at the club called Green Fleet. This is a program that introduces kids to fun racing.
How much does it cost?
Tackers courses are $320 per student.
Can I learn to sail as well?
Of course! Click here to find out about our Adult learn to sail courses
TACKERS COURSES
Tackers 1
Next courses will be in term 4 2015
Tackers 2
Next courses will be in term 4 2015
Tackers 3
Next courses will be in term 4 2015
Further Information
For further enquiries please email training@elwoodsc.com