Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron runs a sail training program over the summer sailing season each year.  This is one of Australia’s largest sail training programs for children aged 8 – 15 years.  The children are placed, according to skill level, in one of the 7 training groups offered.  These 7 groups allow for the program to cater for a wide range of abilities and aspirations.  The groups start at the Green Beans (beginners) through to the Red Rhinos who are moving from Minnow sailing to other classes.

The primary aim for sail training at BYS is to ensure that those who take part in the program have the chance to develop a life-long passion for sailing.  It is important that they see sailing and BYS as a fun and enjoyable experience and part of the way in which they like to spend their summer.

The sail training schedule runs from November through to February each summer.  During November, December and February sail training takes place on Sunday mornings from 9.30am.  During January training is 3 mornings a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9.30am.  For families from overseas and interstate or who for other reasons are unable to commit to the full schedule BYS provides a second intake of students in late December.

The sail training program is conducted by experienced dinghy sailors including volunteers, members of the club and specialized outside coaches.  All are qualified Victorian coaches and coaching is conducted from the BYS rescue boat fleet.  A typical training day at BYS involves a combination of time in the “classroom”, on the beach and approximately 90 minutes in the water, depending on weather and wind conditions.  Parents are strongly encouraged to be part of the training program – whether to lend a hand on a patrol boat, assist in the control tower, or help in the water with the beginners.

For junior sail training the preferred training boat is the Minnow.  As they grow out of the Minnow they are able to progress to a bigger classes.  To assist the children to make a decision regarding which class of boat to move into BYS offers a program called ‘Youth Splash’ which provides exposure to a variety of classes.

Racing at BYS is a key extension of the sail training program right through from the beginner to the advanced sailors.  For the beginners, BYS offers training races (Minnow T) which take place in sheltered waters, as close to the club as possible.  As their experience and confidence grows they become ready for the main race course with the Minnow A and B fleets.  The B group completes a shorter course.

Not only does BYS offer a comprehensive training program but it also provides the opportunity to forge great friendships, meet other children from interstate and overseas and have heaps of fun.