Sailing is a great way to build independence and self reliance for your child, and it’s a terrific activity that you can do together.

 French Bay offers Learn to Sail programs and racing for children aged 10 and above in Optimist class boats, and parents are encouraged to get involved too.

 Children can use their own sailing dinghy, or one of a number of club boats.

 As a parent you will help your child to get his or her boat ready before racing, and to launch and retrieve their boat and pack it down. Parent involvement is a very important part of Learn to Sail at French Bay, and we hope to see you out on the water assisting the rescue boat crews and helping out with club activities, such as launching and retrieving boats, on sailing days.

 Our Learn to Sail program and Junior Racing program encompasses on-shore based theory, on the water coaching, and fun activities. The Junior Racing program focuses on getting children familiar with racing a sailing dinghy so that they may enter other club regattas at Green Fleet level.

 The coaching is provided on a voluntary basis by senior club members. By the end of the programme your child will be proficient in sailing Optimist dinghies and ready to take on bigger challenges of racing with French Bay Yacht Club and other clubs.