Sail Training Programs
Our Sail Training programs run on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00 during November, December, February, March and April. There are a number of options to suit beginners through to sailors looking for performance coaching.
Beginners and Intermediate participants are guided through the Australian Sailing nationally approved syllabus by accredited Instructors and Coaches. For those looking to hone and improve their skills to compete at Sate and National Championships our Performance Squad provides a environment of collaborative learning and development, fostered through belonging and the support of a team of top coaches.
The first three stages of our program are:
1. Start Sailing 1 & 2
2. Better Sailing
3. Start Racing & Better Racing
Upon completion of Better Racing, participants can then join the McCrae Performance Squad. Further details below.
Start Sailing Program
In our Start Sailing program participants have their first taste of being on the water and learning how to steer their boat safely, wind direction as well as how to set up and pack away the boat. We spend as much time as possible on the water having fun, learning through games all the time developing skills and understanding. Under the watchful eye of our instructors and coaches participants confidence grows and they begin to enjoy the achievement of sailing and learning independence and resilience.
All equipment is provided including a PFD (personal flotation device).
Instructors and coaches are all Australian Sailing accredited and in most cases have themselves come through from our Sail Training program.
Cost for the course is $350.
Better Sailing
Better Sailing builds on the skills learnt in Start Sailing participants learn to sail upwind and get prepared for starting to race. They will learn proper tacking and gybing technique and how to rig the boat properly themselves. They will learn some basic right of way rules as well as knots and flag signals. The end result being a confident solo sailor with the knowledge to take to the water, manoeuvre their boat safely and come back to land smiling!
At this stage sailors are expected to have their own equipment including their own boat. The yacht club can assist parents and young sailors in this process.
Cost for the course is $350.
Start Racing & Better Racing
Start Racing is when participants begin to learn a range of new skills which prepare them for racing competition. They will be learning about windshifts, starting strategy, rules, signals and tactics a well as building on their boat handling skills, refining tacking, gybing, and steering. Once participants have begun Start Racing it won’t be long before they can participate in Saturday afternoon club racing. Better racing builds on the skills further and prepares them for their transition to the next class of boat as they continue to grow and develop.
Cost for the course is $350.
McCrae Performance Squad
The McCrae YC Performance Squad supports the development of talented junior and youth sailors who aspire to become accomplished yachties within state, national and/or international competition. The squad culture encourages the sharing of knowledge to create an environment that facilitates new friendships and a sense of belonging.
The squad is coached by Mark Bulka (Contender, Etchells, Finn A Class Champion) and Brody Riley (VIS and AIS ILCA National Coach, ILCA Champion) with the support of past and present VIS sailors. The squad is open to all Victorian youth sailors and is regularly joined on the water by current VIS and AIS Performance Squad Members who provide mentorship to their younger peers.
Cost for this course is $350.
Arrow Catamaran Coaching
Join us for 4 weeks of Arrow coaching with Brett Goodall ahead of the Victorian Cat and 14ft Regatta. This program is aimed at 15-25 year olds, however if you are passionate, enthusiastic and over 25 you are also welcome!
Understand tactics and strategy for cat sailing, how to trapeze, how to go fast!
Sessions run: 9am – 12noon on Sundays 20 October, 27 October, 3 November and 10 November
Cost is $200 for all 4 sessions
Learn to Windsurf
Our Learn to Windsurf Course runs on a Saturday morning from 9am – 12pm in February. This course is suitable for beginners to intermediates aged 15 years and above. Participants will gain knowledge of windsurfer parts and functions, how to rig and unrig a windsurfer, correct sailing techniques and board handling, and understanding weather conditions and wind direction. those who wish to learn how to windsurf.
Cost for this course is $350.
Tackers Summer Holiday Program
Tackers is a fun, games based learn to sail program run by specially trained instructors. It is a week-long program and this season we will be running two sessions on the following dates:
Week 1 Monday January 6th to Friday January 10th 8:30 to 12:30
Week 2 Monday January 13th to Friday January 17th 8:30 to 12:30
Children will learn to sail on training optimist dinghies. Tackers is divided into three parts, Tackers 1, 2 and 3. In Tackers 1 and 2, children sail two up to help them with confidence and keep the fun and friendship element. Once they progress to Tackers 3 the course is completed one up. The course includes lots of games and fun activities to keep the children engaged and all children receive a ‘Tackers Pack’ upon starting the course which includes a hat, shirt and drink bottle.
The Tackers course costs $350.
Children who have completed Tackers 1 should enter Tackers 2
Children who have completed Tackers 2 should enter Tackers 3
BOOK NOW TACKERS 1 WEEK 1
BOOK NOW TACKERS 2 WEEK 1
BOOK NOW TACKERS 3 WEEK 1
BOOK NOW TACKERS 1 WEEK 2
BOOK NOW TACKERS 2 WEEK 2
BOOK NOW TACKERS 3 WEEK 2
Senior Club, National and International Sailing
After sailors finish their youth programs in their late teens they can move into any number of sailboat classes that we have at McCrae. Of course the pinnacle of sailing is the Olympic Games and some who wish to may advance to Olympic Class yachts such as the Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 470, 49er Skiff etc. Highly motivated sailors may wish to aim at selection for squads such as the Victorian Institute of Sport or the Australian Sailing Team. Sailboarding is also an Olympic class sailing event and dinghy sailors can transition easily with the skills they have learnt. Below are some photos of classes currently being sailed at McCrae Yacht Club.
