Junior sailing 'Tackers'

  The Tackers program is the main accredited introductory kids sailing course recognised by Australian Sailing.   Tackers is aimed at kids aged 7 to 12 years and creates a fun and enjoyable environment for kids to learn how to sail. The whole program is broken into three levels, each level is an 18 hour program typically run over 6 weeks or as school holiday programs.

Tackers 1: Having Fun

This is an 18 hour program for 7-12 year olds which focuses on an introduction to fun sailing and confidence on the water.

Tackers 1 cost is $345-    Next courses

MSC Tackers 1 Application - Jan. 2026 School Holiday Program from Wed. 14th to Sun. 18th January 2026.   These sessions run 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and on parent/guardian or relative is required to attend and will learn how to assist with launching and retrieving of the yachts and may also go out on the Instructors boat.

MSC Tackers 1 Application – Term 1 from 7th Feb 2026, then Feb. 14, 28 then Mar 14, 21, 28 then Apr 11, & 18th.
Sessions run 8:30 am to 11:30 am. We have scheduled 8 sessions above even though we only need 6 sessions (18 hrs) to cover the curriculum.  Sometimes the tackers need more time on the water to graduate. Dates are still subject to Instructor availability.
Registrations close 19th February 2025.

Click on the above course name to download that courses Application form, complete and return to the Sail Training Coordinator (see below for contact details). 
The Coordinator will always acknowledge receipt of Applications within a few days.
If you do not receive this acknowledgement then it may not have been received and you should phone the Coordinator to followup.

First preference for places in the above courses will go to those on the waiting list or above Applications received.

Tackers 2: Tricks and Techniques

This is an 18 hour program for 7-12 year olds which focuses on better sailing, tricks, techniques and sailing safely by themselves

Tackers 3: Sailing Fast

This is an 18 hour program for 8-13 year olds which focuses on beginner racing skills in readiness for club and green fleet racing.

For a full schedule of the Tackers program courses  click here for the remaining Tackers Dates for 2025-2026 to download.

The Mordialloc Sailing Club supplies the plastic unsinkable Ozi Opti Tackers Boats, life (floatation) jackets, rescue boats, trained instructors and participation pack including a Certificate of Completion.

A Parent/Guardian, older sibling or relative is required to stay and help. You will learn the sailing skills required to assist with launching and retrieval. The club has comfortable lounge areas and the cafe is open to serve coffees, refreshments and snacks. A snack is provided in each session, traditionally concluding with a sausage sizzle on the last day.

What to Bring

Trainees are required to bring appropriate clothing that will allow them to get wet and still remain warm in the wind (nylon and polyester type mixes are ok but avoid cotton or heavy wool). Suggested clothing includes a jumper plus a spray jacket, or alternatively a wetsuit. In addition you will require some footwear (old runners/sandshoes will suffice) plus sunglasses and a hat for protection from the sun. Trainees must be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres.

Training Fees

A fee of $345 (Tackers 1) then $390 (Tackers 2 or 3) includes Tackers membership at Mordialloc Sailing club plus for Tackers 1 only a Tackers Participation Pack.

These packs, provided by Australian Sailing, include a kit bag, a Long Sleeve Rashie (sailing/swimming shirt),  a cap and water bottle with the Tackers 1 course.

For further information contact the Sail Training Coordinator Dale Collings on 0415 595 754. Or by email to training@mordiallocsc.com.au