Learn To Sail

We offer term-based junior sailing programs (see below), school holiday programs and youth/adult sailing opportunities.

Our policy is to make learning to sail affordable for families. We make first class boats available so that parents are not faced with the expensive costs of acquiring competitive sailing dinghies for their children.

There is an expectation that parents will participate in a rostered system to help with the smooth operation of the programme. The three key areas are:

  1. On shore support during sessions
  2. Quad driver for taking boats to the beach
  3. On water support for the coach (coming out in the coach boat).

Training will be provided for the quad bike and on water support roles for those interested. Other club roles include resource maintenance, group leaders, other admin etc.

Term 1 Program 2025 – To be confirmed

Course Options

Opti Learn to Sail Group

This course is designed for beginner sailors to learn the basics of sailing. We focus on building confidence on the water and aim to be able to independently sail by the end of the course. Minimum age of 8 (or a very confident 7).

Session Dates: TBC
Days/times: TBC

Opti Learn to Race Group

This course runs alongside our learn to sail and has a more advanced goal of getting around a race course by themselves.

Session Dates: TBC
Days/times: TBC

RS Feva Development Group

This course is designed for beginner RS Feva sailors, or experienced opti sailors. This group will be run in RS Fevas.

This is a beginner course for experienced opti sailors or bigger/older sailing beginners.

Session Dates: TBC
Days/times: TBC

RS Feva Learn to Race Group

This course is designed for more experienced sailors who can get around a course comfortably by themselves. We aim to have a lot of fun learning how to race amongst various other sailing skills e.g tactics, weather and strategy.

In term 4 we will be adding extra focus around the rules that apply on the water to support the transition into 420 teams racing. For sailors who are too big to sail RS Feva, it is an option to sail a 420 for this program.

Dates: TBC
Time:

TBC

Common FAQs

How old does my child have to be to Learn To Sail?
They must be 8 years or older and be able to swim confidently.
What parent/caregiver commitment is required?
In order for us to make our sailing programme affordable and accessible, we do need help from parents. We request one parent from each family to assist each week with training. We find that the parents get almost as much out of it as the kids!
How much does it cost?
MCC Family Membership is required, along with an activity fee per term for the Junior Sailing Programme or RS Feva Programme. This is subject to space in the programmes as priority will be given to those who do both days.

PLEASE NOTE: The nomination fee does not apply to Family Memberships within the Junior Sailing Programmes. If a Learn to Sail programme has been attended, the $50 Membership from that program cost will be credited towards Family Membership.

What should my child wear / bring?
Shoes with soles that have grip. Polyprop top or a wetsuit as it gets cold on the water. Make sure whatever they wear will allow the flexible and quick movement sailors need on the water. While MCC can provide lifejackets, some prefer to bring their own.
What if weather is unsuitable for sailing?
Training may take place on the reserve.