MANLY SAILING FIELD GUIDE
First Tacks in Manly: An 8‑Week Opti Intro for Kids (Ages 7+)
An eight‑week beginner Optimist course in Manly that teaches basic sailing skills in a supervised, fun and safe program — this guide explains the schedule, pickups and safety essentials for parents.
First Tacks in Manly: An 8‑Week Opti Intro for Kids (Ages 7+).
On the sheltered waters off Manly, an Optimist fleet of small dinghies is where many Sydney kids take their first taste of sailing. Manly Sailing’s term‑time Opti Level 1 program is designed to get children outdoors, moving and learning the fundamentals of boat handling and seamanship in a structured, safety‑focused eight‑week course.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Structured 8‑week Optimist course for beginners
This term‑time Optimist (Opti) Level 1 program runs over eight weeks and is aimed at beginner sailors, introducing core skills and fostering teamwork while keeping sessions fun and active for children.
School pickup and scheduling options
The program offers a Manly Village Public School pickup for Monday classes (with Wednesday pickup listed as TBC), and runs weekday and weekend session options to fit families’ schedules.
Life jackets supplied and a focus on safe learning
Instruction emphasizes a safe environment: life jackets are supplied and must be worn at all times, and the course expects participants to have basic swimming ability.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Across eight weeks, children join short, focused sessions that blend instruction and time on the water: parents see kids arrive, don life jackets supplied by the operator, and progress from sitting in the dinghy to grasping the fundamentals of sailing in a supportive group environment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course is an eight‑week term program with weekday sessions (4:00pm–6:15pm) or weekend sessions (8:00am–10:15am). Individual session duration is listed as 2 hours.
Classes start from the ground floor of the Manly Yacht Club on East Esplanade for check‑in and preparation.
Life jackets are supplied by the operator and are required to be worn at all times during sessions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can join the Opti Level 1 course?
The program is advertised for ages 7 and up.
How long is the course and how long are sessions?
The term‑time Optimist course runs for eight weeks; weekday sessions run 4:00pm–6:15pm and weekend sessions 8:00am–10:15am, with a listed session duration of two hours.
Do children need to be able to swim?
Yes — children who participate should be able to swim, and life jackets supplied by the operator must be worn at all times.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes. Life jackets are supplied by Manly Sailing and participants are required to wear them at all times during classes.
Can I use the NSW Active Kids $50 voucher?
Yes. Manly Sailing is a registered Active Kids Provider: use the promotional code 'active kids' when enrolling and send the voucher number and name on the voucher to [email protected] if you wish to use it for part payment.
Is there a school pickup option?
A Manly Village Public School pickup is offered for Monday classes; a Wednesday pickup is listed as TBC — contact the operator to arrange pickups.