MANLY OTHER FIELD GUIDE
Four Weeks of Match Racing and Keelboat Skill-Building off Manly’s Shore
A four-week spring program for experienced juniors to learn 24ft keelboat handling, racing basics and team techniques — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
Four Weeks of Match Racing and Keelboat Skill-Building off Manly’s Shore.
The Youth Keelboat Course in Manly is a short, focused four-week spring program for sailors aged 11 and up who already have dinghy experience. Students move from small boats to 24ft racing keelboats, learn the core theory and on-water skills required to handle a small keelboat, and are introduced to racing—including spinnaker work and one-design match races that test teamwork and performance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
24ft racing keelboats — small, lively and purpose-built for learning
The course puts juniors into 24ft racing keelboats where they apply dinghy skills to a larger, more stable platform that nevertheless rewards precise helm and crew work; the boats are described as small, very manoeuvrable and a lot of fun.
Match racing and weekly club racing
Training culminates in competitive match races and, for those whose recent training shows strong performance and teamwork, selection to race in Manly Yacht Club events during the MYC season.
From theory to spinnakers and skippering
The curriculum covers essential theory and practical skills to sail a small keelboat, introduces spinnaker sailing when crews are ready, and rotates sailors across different boats to broaden experience and skippering capability.
What the day feels like
What the four-week course feels like
Sessions are hands-on and fast-moving: crews are placed aboard different boats each training session and work through drills that reinforce theory and on-water technique. As skills develop crews practice manoeuvres, are introduced to spinnaker work, and when ready they test tactics and boat-on-boat skills in one-design match races — with standout performers earning spots in weekly Manly Yacht Club races.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should wait
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants should bring water, soft-soled shoes suitable for sailing, sensible clothing, sun protection, a notepad, wet weather gear and friends; the operator will provide the remaining equipment.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages is the Youth Keelboat Course for?
The program is aimed at juniors aged 11 and up.
How long does the course run?
This is a four-week spring program.
Do I need prior experience to join?
Yes — the course is intended for sailors who have completed at least a term in dinghies or attended a holiday camp and who are ready to step up to keelboats.
Can participants race for the club?
Participants who show strong performance and teamwork in training sessions may be selected to compete in Manly Yacht Club races during the MYC racing season.
How do Active Kids vouchers work for this program?
To use an Active Kids voucher, enter 'active kids' in the promo code field to reduce the order price, then enter the voucher number and the name shown on the voucher into the Active Kids information as instructed.
What equipment does the program provide?
The operator supplies the boats and remaining gear; participants need only bring personal items listed in the what-to-bring guidance.