Tackers
Tackers is a mass participation program aimed at introducing children aged 7 to 12 to sailing in a fun, safe, accessible and affordable way.
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The program offers children the opportunity to start on a pathway to ongoing involvement in clubs through gradually progressing over several seasons. It is a key participation program for Australian Sailing to ensure clubs are able to grow through engagement of children and their families.
| This target sector is important because developing children’s interest in any sport early increases the likelihood that they will continue to participate. In addition providing a program for primary school aged children also encourages their family to become involved. |
Tackers Pathway
The Tackers program focuses on non-competitive learning through games in a supportive environment with structured sessions plans and levels of achievements. Tackers can only be delivered at accredited Discover Sailing Centres. All programs are run by qualified instructors who are provided with additional training to be able to deliver Tackers. The State Tackers Leader plays a key role in supporting and developing Clubs in their State.
The investment made in the development of Tackers is reflected in the high quality of resources available to Tackers Clubs and the suitability of the content and structure of the course for introducing large volumes of children to sailing.
Sequential progression in Tackers ensures children build confidence and interest in continuing to be involved in sailing. There are three pathway levels, based on the core syllabus of the Dinghy Program with significant adaptation to better suit children’s learning styles. Each level of the program has a Tackers Instructor Manual that outlines the session plans, tips for teaching kids to sail, games, and information about progressing children through the pathway.
For the information the public sees on Tackers visit Sailing For Kids webpage.
Tackers Courses
| Little Tackers |
This course is an introductory course for 4-6 years old. |
Find a Little Tackers Course |
| Tackers Intro |
This course is a 2-3 hour introduction to experienceTackers sailing for the first time. |
Find a Tackers Intro Course |
| Tackers 1 Having Fun |
This course aims to provide children aged 7-12 with a fun, safe and affordable way to get into sailing. |
Find a Tackers 1 Course |
| Tackers 2 Tricks & Techniques |
This course aims to build on the fun participants had in Tackers 1, to progress their sailing skills. |
Find a Tackers 2 Course |
| Tackers 3 Sailing Fast! |
This course aims to build on skills learned in Tackers 2 and focuses on advanced sailing skills through games and adventures on the water. |
Find a Tackers 3 Course |
Become an Accredited Tackers Centre
Centres that are interested in becoming accredited Tackers Centres simply need to:
- Vist our Discover Sailing Centres page to understand the benefits of being a Centre and our Terms & Conditions.
- Contact our Australian Sailing regional staff that will provide in detail information and assistance throughout the accreditation process.
Tackers Instructors
Australian Sailing Tackers courses can only be delivered by Dinghy Instructors and Dinghy Assistant Instructors (supervised by Dinghy Instructors) who have obtained the Tackers Instructor Induction qualification (online course). To learn more and obtain this qualification:
- Click HERE to find more information about instructing.
- Click HERE to find a Dinghy Assistant Instructor course.
- Click HERE to find a Dinghy Instructor course.
- Click HERE to register for the Tackers Instructor Induction e-learning.
Tackers Boats
The Tackers program must be delivered in 'Tackers Boats'. These Optmist-Like Design boats are determined by certain characteristics such as length, weight, foil construction and spars length. For a full list of the requirements of a Tackers boat read the 'Tackers Boat Criteria' below.
Australian Sailing understands the initial outlay of purchasing equipment for new programs can place a heavy burden on clubs. To somewhat relieve this burden several interest-free loans have been made available to clubs.
Australian Sailing Vessel Loans >