BYS welcomes all sailors aged 7-12, whether they have progressed through the Tackers program, have started learning to sail elsewhere, or have never sailed before!

Our junior sailors learn the fundamental boat-handling skills and essential knowledge needed to sail their own boat, whilst most importantly having fun out on the water. All our junior sailors are taught and coached by qualified Australian Sailing dinghy instructors, many of whom progressed through the BYS Junior Sail Training program themselves when they were younger.

Five skill levels so the kids learn at their own pace

To ensure that every sailor is with the best coach for their sailing abilities and knowledge, our program is split into five skill levels.

All our groups follow the Australian Sailing Dinghy Syllabuses and progress through from Start Sailing to Better Racing. Each sailor usually remains in their group for the duration of a season, and our Australian Sailing qualified instructors pay close attention to ensure every sailor is where they need to be.

Green group: This is where new sailors or Tackers graduates start their Junior Sail Training journey, covering the basics of sailing including launching and recovery, boat handling skills in shallow water and an understanding of introductory sailing theory. The focus is on learning in a safe and fun environment, with Green Group sessions held in the shallows out the front of the club.

White Group: Sailing in slightly deeper water, venturing out amongst the moorings in front of the club, our instructors focus on building the sailor’s confidence out on the water, whilst continuing to develop their boat handling skills and introducing them to the fundamentals of courses and racing.

Orange Group: Sailors become more independent in their boat rigging and understanding of sail adjustment and are encouraged to participate in BYS club racing, so our instructors cover all the skills, theory and techniques needed to sail further out from the club and race independently.

Purple & Blue Groups: Our top two groups generally train together during most sessions and focus on the skills needed to prepare sailors for racing and regattas. This includes more advanced boat handling skills and techniques, competently sailing in all wind conditions, and more advanced racing and sailing theory, as well as teaching sailors about the importance of preparation – both for the boat and the sailor!

What equipment is needed?

Sailors in our Junior Sail Training program require their own boat to sail, with the majority of the fleet using the recognisable blue-sailed Minnow, but we welcome all boats including O’pen Skiffs and Optis. If you are new to sailing, we can put you in touch with Minnow parents if families need some help or advice about purchasing a boat. Boats for sale are often advertised on the club noticeboard, and also on the Minnow Association website with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars for an entry level project boat (perfect for those handy with woodworking and a paintbrush) through to fibreglass regatta level boats for $3000-$4000. Contact the Sailing Office if you need some advice. BYS has a few entry level club-owned boats which can be used while you’re in the process of purchasing your own.

Sailors will also need their own well-fitting life jacket, some clothing to wear in the water (a wetsuit is ideal) and a pair of sailing booties to keep their feet safe. A hat, sunscreen and a drink bottle are essential.

Parent involvement

Like all junior sports, we rely heavily on parents’ involvement to ensure sessions run smoothly and to keep the program cost-efficient for families. It’s also a great way to connect with other families and learn more about sailing and BYS. All families will be part of a roster over the season, helping with tower duty, launching and sign on/off. Arrange a swap with another family if you can’t make it on your rostered day. All parents are required to supply a current Working With Children Check.

We are also seeking to fill the following roles:

• two parents to volunteer as team managers for each colour group
• two parents to volunteer to assist with the maintenance of the BYS minnows