Australian Sailing Tackers 2 – Tricks and Techniques

Tackers 2 – Tricks and Techniques is the middle level of Tackers, Australian Sailing's games-based sailing program for 7 to 12 year olds. It builds on Tackers 1, and children who feel ready can start sailing a boat on their own, with instructors close by. The focus shifts from simply getting around to handling the boat with real control.

Who it suits

• Children aged 7 to 12 who have completed Tackers 1 or have the same skills
• Kids who are water confident and comfortable steering and turning with a buddy
• Young sailors keen to try helming solo, at their own pace
• Families wanting a holiday program or regular weekly sessions

What you'll actually do

The recommended length is 20 hours, run as a 4–5 day holiday program or as a series of sessions over several weeks. Qualified instructors lead the sessions, all equipment is provided, and learning still happens mostly through games and challenges rather than drills.

Sailing is in purpose-designed Tackers training boats with built-in buoyancy for extra stability. By the end of the level, children should be able to:

• get the boat out of irons without help
• gybe safely
• use the tiller extension correctly
• sail upwind close-hauled, tacking through the no-go zone
• sail a triangle course upwind, downwind and on a reach
• complete 360 and 720-degree turns

Finishing the level earns a Tackers 2 completion certificate.

Key ideas explained

• No-go zone — the arc either side of the wind direction where a sail cannot fill, roughly 45 degrees each way. To get upwind, boats zigzag, tacking from one side of the zone to the other.
• Close-hauled — sailing as close to the wind as the boat will go, with the sail pulled in tight. It is the edge of the no-go zone.
• In irons — when a boat stops pointing straight into the wind, the sail flaps and steering stops working. Kids learn to push the boom out against the wind so the front of the boat swings away, then steer off and sail again.
• Safe gybing — because the boom swings across fast in a gybe, sailors learn to control the turn, keep low and move across the boat smoothly as the sail changes sides.
• Using the tiller extension — holding the extension across the body lets the sailor face the sail and sit on the high side, then swap hands and sides neatly during a turn.
• Triangle course and penalty turns — a triangle course links upwind, reaching and downwind legs around marks. A 360 is one full circle and a 720 is two; in racing, these turns are how sailors take a penalty.

Where it fits

Getting ready

For parents

• What to wear — no special clothing is needed: clothes and shoes your child doesn't mind getting wet, plus a towel, a change of clothes, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. A long-sleeved rash shirt helps with sun and wind.
• Lifejackets — Tackers participants wear lifejackets at all times while taking part.
• The swim check — Tackers prefers some swimming ability but does not demand it. In the first session of a Tackers course, instructors supervise the group in a 25 m swim with lifejackets on.
• Sailing solo — Tackers 2 is often the first time a child sails alone. It is optional: kids who are not ready can keep sailing with a buddy. Ask the instructor how your child is going rather than pushing.
• Nervous kids — a flapping sail or a wobbly boat can feel big at first. Talk through what the instructors do to help, and remind your child that a safety boat is always close by.
• A typical session — expect lifejacket checks, a short briefing or game ashore, rigging the boats, time on the water working on one or two skills through games, then packing up and a debrief. Exact formats vary by club.
• Getting involved — kids receive honorary club membership during the program, and parents can help in off-water roles.

Good to know in Australia

Tackers runs at sailing clubs and centres around the country; search for sessions on Australian Sailing's course finder. Afternoon sea breezes are common at many Australian venues, so morning sessions can suit kids still building confidence.