Learn to Sail

Since the mid-1940s MYC has developed a rich history of producing State, National and International champions.  This tradition of sailing development continues through our training programs, designed for people who want to learn to sail, whether to race competitively or simply to have fun on the water in a friendly environment.

Learn To Sail Program

MYC is an accredited Discover Sail Centre with Australian Sailing. Our Learn to Sail Program offers Tackers and Dinghy courses, all run by qualified Australian Sailing instructors. Tackers courses are designed specifically for children up to 12 years old, while the Dinghy courses are open to all ages. 

Courses typically run in two terms each summer season, with the first term starting in October and the second in January. Each term includes 9 Sunday sessions. Entry-level and beginner courses are held in the morning, while progression courses run in the afternoon.

Our Learn to Sail courses include the following:

Start Sailing

Our recommended entry point is the Dinghy Start Sailing 1 & 2 course. Open to all ages, this 9-week course is designed for beginners and those with little or no sailing experience. Sailors learn on Club Boats (the double handed MIRROR class) and may progress to other classes if appropriate.  Mirrors provide an excellent opportunity for family members to learn together.

Sessions run from 9:00am, though many sailors arrive earlier to help rig the boats and get on the water as soon as possible. Each session concludes around 12:00pm, with a debrief followed by a casual lunch at the Club.

The Club also has a fleet of the single-handed ILCA (also known as Laser) dinghies. These boats may be offered to sailors with sufficient technical ability and are generally best suited to sailors weighing over 50kg.

Start Sailing courses are offered twice per season, at the beginning (October) and again midway through the season (February). Membership is included in the cost of the course.

Bookings will soon open for this course.

Better Sailing with Bronze Fleet.

The pathway after completing the Basic Sailing 1 & 2 is to join the Bronze Fleet.  Club boats available for Bronze Fleet are the Mirror, Laser, Minnow, Pacer.  Improve your confidence and get Race Ready with Better Sailing.

Depending on participants, these sessions may encompass the Green Fleet and Intermediate Fleet, and include all boat classess. Coaching covers everything from essential boat handling to advanced sailing techniques and race strategies, ensuring progression for every sailor.

Membership is included in the cost of the course.

Bookings will soon open for this course.

Tackers

The Tackers course is specifically aimed at juniors from around 10 years. Talk to us if your  child is younger and confident on water. Using the plastic Optimist boat, juniors are taught in a fun learning environment. As with all our courses, personal flotation devices are loaned out to sailors. Membership is included in the cost of the course.          Bookings will soon open for this course.                                                               Tackers 1 - Having Fun  School Holiday Dates : Sep/Oct 2026 - dates are being finalised.  Please come back for more info. This five-session sailing course introduces children to sailing in a safe, supportive and fun environment. It is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have completed basic training.  This course runs over 5 consecutive days in the school holidays. Tackers Combined - Sailing Fast  This Sunday morning course is usually run in the second half of the sailing season (ie. Feb to April) as a natural progression for those who have completed Tacker 1 in the first half. This course aims to build on skills learned in Tackers 1 and focuses on advanced sailing skills through games and adventures on the water.   It is a Tackers combined course (a combination of Tackers 2 and 3), which aim to enable individual progression across its duration, whilst allowing friends to remain together. This course is not yet open.

 
School Holiday Intro to Sailing Course

MYC runs 5 day Introduction to Sailing courses during the school holidays.  These courses are open to school-aged children, with a recommended minimum age of around 10 years. Younger sailors may also be accepted provided they have parental supervision. Bookings for the 5 day course are not yet open.

Wednesday Afternoon Coaching Fleet

Our Wednesday sunset coaching fleet is a great way to continue developing your skills beyond the structured Learn to Sail program, under the supervision of a coach.  Suitable for those who have completed at least basic sailing (or equivalent of Sailing 1, 2).  Sunset sailing is also a great way to socialise and upskill alongside fellow sailors.

The coaching fleet is led by a qualified Australian Sailing coach, with sessions adapted to meet the group's needs.
In addition, open training sessions may be arranged and coached by experienced club members.

Club boats are available for members to use if they do not have their own, subject to availability.

These sessions are open to all members of MYC at no extra charge

You can book for these sessions: Here

Training Boat Classes

Sailors in the Learn to Sail and School Holidays programs are generally introduced to sailing on Mirror dinghies (two sailors per boat) and Optimists. The Club also owns Lasers, Pacers and Minnows, which are used when appropriate for a trainee's skill level. 

Club boats are available to MYC sailing members for casual sailing when they are not in use by the Learn to Sail program (conditions apply)

Get Involved: Family and Volunteer Contributions

We welcome support from the families and friends of trainees, as well as club volunteers. Examples include assisting with rigging dinghies, preparing and driving support boats, assisting with junior training, or helping in the canteen.

Any queries, please go to our CONTACT page, or email training@maylandsyachtclub.org.au