THE WAYFINDER TO 

YOUTH SAILING 

IN VICTORIA 

Why create a Wayfinder?

We had a group of Youth passionate about sailing, but who are

not interested in (“yet another”) competitive sport. 

Each sails for personal reasons, with unique needs and goals:

action, confidence, independence, 'me time,' and/or socialising.

Some have become better sailors than we are.

This led us on a journey to explore potential options and opportunities where sailing could take them next in Victoria. 

The Wayfinder reflects some of our efforts to guide them (and us) on their next steps and has been adopted from our Outdoors Victoria 2025 conference presentation.

The Many  Ways of Sailing

Family and Friends

Casual outings with loved ones, with boats offering comfort and ease of handling for recreational sailing experiences.

School

Sailing education typically with boats that are stable and forgiving designs that help beginners learn fundamental sailing skills.

Racing

Performance-oriented sailing with boats built for speed and competition, featuring advanced designs and materials to maximize velocity.

Cruising

Sailing extended journeys and living aboard, with boats that prioritise comfort, storage capacity, and self-sufficiency at sea.

Charter

Sailing with or without a skipper using rental sailboats, typically well-maintained and configured for ease of handling by sailors with varying experience levels.

Yacht Clubs Are Everywhere

81 Yacht Clubs and Sailing Centres across Victoria - and most have some form of youth sailing.

Australian Sailing - Club Finder

Pro Tip: do NOT search for youth programmes.

Access & Cost

Club Types

From “exclusive” yacht clubs with high professional overheads to community-based organizations relying on volunteers, each has distinct cost implications.

Annual Memberships

Varying widely from approximately A$130/month for adults to A$120/year for youth, depending on the club type (e.g., single, family, training, crew). Course fees are often additional.

Term Programs

Structured programs can cost around A$350 per term (e.g. Bendigo), while flexible 'pay-as-you-go' sessions are priced at approximately A$75 per session (e.g. RMYS).

Holiday Courses

Intensive school holiday programs generally cost about A$100 per day, offering short-term, focused learning opportunities for young sailors during breaks.

Pro tip: it can be tricky to figure out what’s out there or how much it costs online. Give the club a call about what you’re after! Or just walk in and find someone in person.

Sailing Beyond The Yacht Club

Youth training program that provides maritime education and naval traditions to prepare participants for potential naval careers.

Sailability &  Making Waves

Disability Sailing and Empowerment Programmes for Disadvantaged Youth

Navy Cadets

Sea Scouts

Youth organization focused on boating skills and water-based activities as part of the Scouting movement.

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School Sailing

Programs integrated into educational curricula that introduce students to sailing as part of physical education or extracurricular activities.

Yacht Clubs

Membership organisations that provide facilities, social activities, and racing opportunities for sailing enthusiasts.

Sailing Schools

Educational institutions offering formal instruction in sailing techniques, navigation, and maritime skills.

Google Search

Ask your School - a number of schools run their own sailing programmes or together with clubs. There may also be grant funding available if there isn’t an existing programme. 

How to Choose?

Sailing School

Offers structured curriculum for formal instruction in sailing techniques, maritime safety, and training towards certifications.

Skill

Skill

Focuses on mastering practical abilities like navigation, boat handling, and seamanship for effective operation.

Focuses on mastering practical abilities like navigation, boat handling, and seamanship for effective operation.

Yacht Club - Racing

Involves organized competitions, tactical decisions, and speed, often requiring specialized boats and crews.

Sport

Emphasizes competitive performance, adherence to racing rules, strategy, and physical prowess in aquatic events.

Sea Scouts

A youth program fostering leadership, citizenship, and nautical skills through hands-on seamanship and water activities.

Outdoor Education

Develops personal growth, environmental stewardship, and teamwork through experiential learning in marine settings.

Navy Cadets

Youth training program that provides maritime education, military training and naval traditions.

Naval Career

Prepares for potential naval careers to benefit the nation by developing the individual, their community & Australian Navy.

Sailing in to Diverse Careers

Academic Integration 

STEM

Sports Business & Economics

Sport Business

Sport Marketing

R&D Opportunities

Engineering & Technology development

Ocean and Environmental Sciences

Media & Broadcasting Technology 


Entertainment Industry

Event Management

Media Management

Production

Links with subjects like math, natural science, engineering and health sciences

Athlete