Tackers is a fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged 7 to 12 years; an ideal introduction to dinghy sailing. Kids don’t need to have any sailing experience or club membership to participate. All the equipment, including the boats, is provided. Tackers is delivered in small groups of 6-10 boats specifically designed for the program supervised by Yachting Australia qualified Instructor and Assistant Instructors who are on the water all the time the kids are sailing.

There are three levels that kids can progress through (Tackers 3 is the third level), each level involves 20 hours of participation structured as a 4 day holiday program or as a series of sessions over 8 2.5 hour sessions, mostly on Saturday with some Fridays in term 2 due to long weekends. Each course is focused on having fun, playing games while learning the basics of sailing. 

WHAT TO BRING

DSC will provide participants with life jackets and boats. We have toilets and change rooms, and water fountains. However there are a few things you will need to bring with you to ensure safety and fun on the water:
- Close-toed shoes (no thongs)
- Hat, water bottle and sunscreen
- Snacks/Lunch for break (if desired): There is limited space in the Club esky, however if you have your own to keep your lunch cool please bring it along
- Stinger suit or leggings (Box jellyfish may still be present in the water so protection must be worn at all times)

Course Overview
This course aims to build on skills learned in Tackers 2 and focuses on advanced sailing skills through games and adventures on the water. 

Course Prerequisites

• Water confident
• 7-12 years-old
• Skills, knowledge and experience gained in Tackers 2

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who have completed Tackers 2.

Course Outcome

By the end of the Tackers 3 course, the participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate the correct method and understand the theory of roll tacking and gybing
• Stopping the boat in a confined areas for a period of time
• Sail backwards
• Understand the theory behind gybing and can demonstrate the action downwind
• Show a sound knowledge of the five essentials:
  • Centreboard position
  • Boat trim
  • Boat balance
  • Course made good
  • Sail trim
• Start and finish races on a triangle and trapezoid course
• Always use tactical mark roundings in races

You will gain your Tackers 3 completion certificate.