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Tackers

Tackers is our fun, games-based learn-to-sail program for kids aged 7–12. It’s all about building confidence on the water, making friends, and learning real skills in a safe, supportive environment. At Tackers 1 level no experience is needed and we provide the boats and the fun!

Choose the level appropriate for your sailor:

Tackers 1

📅 School Term & Holiday Programs

The best first step into sailing for kids! Tackers 1 is all about having fun with new friends and gaining confidence on the water. No experience needed, we provide the equipment, and kids learn alongside others of similar age.

Skills They’ll Learn:
✔ Basic sailing safety and confidence
✔ Steering and simple sail control
✔ Tacking and turning the boat
✔ Working with a buddy as a team
✔ Fun on the water, every session

Course length – 20 hours
Cost: $340

Term Courses: Saturdays 9am to 11.30am
School Holiday Courses: 4 days, 9am to 3pm.

Tackers 2

📅 School Term & Holiday Programs

More time sailing, more confidence, and more skills. Tackers 2 builds on the basics and helps kids feel comfortable handling the boat and making simple decisions on the water, while keeping it fun and supportive.

Skills They’ll Learn:
✔ More confident steering and sail control
✔ Turning the boat both ways (tacking and gybing)
✔ Sailing upwind and downwind comfortably
✔ Better balance and boat handling
✔ Stronger independence with continued support

Course length: 20 hours
Cost: $340

Term Courses: Saturdays 9am to 11.30am
School Holiday Courses: 4 days, 9am to 3pm.

Tackers 3

📅 School Term & Holiday Programs

For kids who are comfortable on the water and want to keep progressing. Tackers 3 helps sailors become more independent and capable, with lots of sailing time and plenty of encouragement from instructors.

Skills They’ll Learn:
✔ Stronger boat handling and confidence
✔ Better balance and control in different conditions
✔ More reliable manoeuvres
✔ Practical seamanship and safety habits
✔ A clear next step for continued sailing

Course Length: 20 hours
Cost: $340

Term Courses: Fridays 4.30pm to 7pm
School Holiday Courses: 4 days, 9am to 3pm.

Ready to book? Click HERE to view all Tackers courses for the 2026/27 season.

Parent/Carer FAQ’s

Tackers is designed for kids aged 7 to 12 years. If your child is younger, Little Tackers is a shorter, games-based option for ages 4 to 6.

No experience needed at all. Tackers is built as a true beginner program, with games-based learning and heaps of support so kids feel safe and confident from day one.

It helps if kids have basic water confidence, but they will be wearing an approved lifejacket whenever they are on the water. If you are unsure about your child’s confidence, chat to us first and we will guide you on the best starting point.

Keep it simple. Bring a drink bottle, hat, snack, towel, and a change of clothes. Closed-toe shoes that can get wet are ideal, and if you have them, a spray jacket or wetsuit is great on cooler days.

Tackers runs from the Victorian Sailing Centre at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, 27 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong. There are plenty of nearby parking options, including street parking and car parks within walking distance, so just allow a little extra time on busy summer days.

Yes. Instructors hold current Australian Sailing qualifications, and the usual safety requirements like First Aid and Working With Children Checks.

The RGYC Sailing Academy is proudly supported by the RGYC Foundation. For more information about the RGYC Foundation and their work to Foster the sport of sailing in Geelong, view their website.