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. All instructors and training volunteers hold a Working with Children Check. 

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 double-handed Dinghy Start Sailing course. This 9-week course is designed for beginners and those with little or no sailing experience. Sessions run on Sunday mornigns, officially starting at 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, including a debrief and followed by a casual lunch at the Club.

We also offer Start Sailing course in single-handed LASER dinghies. These boats are more technical and 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 (January/February). 

School Holiday Intro to Sailing Course

MYC runs 5 day sailing courses during the school holidays. These courses are open to school-aged children, with a recommended minimum age of 10. Younger sailors with prior experience may also be accepted under parental supervision.

Training Fleets

Joining a Training Fleet and participating in coached sessions is a great way to continue developing your skills beyond the structured Learn to Sail program, while also socialising and learning alongside fellow sailors.

MYC is developing both a Green Fleet and a Intermediate Fleet, open to all boat classess.

• Green Fleet: Focuses on building control, confidence, and safe sailing in a fun, non-competitive environment. 
• Intermediate Fleet: Aims to enhance racing performance, with an emphasis on preparation, tactics and strategy.

Both fleets are led by qualified Australian Sailing coaches, with sessions adapted to each sailor's needs. Coaching covers everything from essential boat handling to advanced sailing techniques and race strategies, ensuring progression for every sailor.

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.

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 Lasers. The Club also owns Pacers and Minnows, which are used when appropriate for a trainee's skill level. 

Club boats are available to MYC sailing members for training when they are not in use by the Learn to Sail program.

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 during lunch.

For any training-related queries, please email training@maylandsyachtclub.org.au