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.

2025 Term 4 Junior Sailing Program

Fridays from 4-7pm – 10 October to 12 December 2025* (9 week program).
*No sailing on Friday 24th October (Labour weekend).

  • Learn to Sail – Optimist Program (no experience necessary) – LTS-L1 Info
  • Learn to Race – Feva Program (sailing experience in the Optimist or Feva program previously) – LTR L3 Info
Registration Form

Our programs are fantastic and are designed to build water confidence and resilience, familiarise your child with each craft and have a great time on the water. Onshore parent support is required, and parents often have an amazing time too.

Children must be 8 years old or over to join our courses.

The good news is that you don’t need to purchase a boat as we have all the boats available for use, which also saves on storage costs. We also have helmets available and it is mandatory for the children to wear them.

A Family Membership is required which is currently $265 per year, and the term fee is $300 per child. Please complete a membership form at time of sign up. The office can assist with the Nomination process.

The Milford Cruising Club restaurant is open on Friday nights from 5.30pm so after the sailing it is a great place to go and grab an affordable meal and socialise with the other junior sailing families.

So many friendships have been made this way!

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?
  There is an expectation that parents will participate in a rostered system to help with the smooth operation of the program. 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.

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.