Season-Long Open Skiff Hire at Somers: Let a Young Sailor Own the Water

SOMERS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Season-Long Open Skiff Hire at Somers: Let a Young Sailor Own the Water

Season hire of lightweight Open Skiffs from Somers Yacht Club gives junior sailors a season (approx. 30 weeks) of practice and development off the club calendar — this guide explains what to expect and how to book.

See guide details

Season-Long Open Skiff Hire at Somers: Let a Young Sailor Own the Water.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Somers
Operator
Somers Yacht Club
Category
Water Activities

Adventure brief

Season-Long Open Skiff Hire at Somers: Let a Young Sailor Own the Water

Introduce your child to the exhilarating, hands-on work of small-boat sailing with a season hire of an Open Skiff at Somers Yacht Club. These lightweight, durable skiffs are designed for young sailors to learn handling, practice skills and take part in junior racing while building confidence on the water.

Located on the serene shores of Western Port Bay, Somers in Victoria offers a unique gateway for young adventurers to experience sailing through the Open Skiff - Season Hire program. Western Port is a coastal marvel noted for its calm waters, sheltered bays, and vibrant marine life, making it one of the premier spots for beginner and youth sailing in Australia. This seasonal hire opportunity allows families and young sailors to immerse themselves over a whole sailing season, nurturing their skills and confidence at a comfortable and flexible pace. Open Skiffs are lightweight, highly maneuverable dinghies, perfect for novices aiming to learn the fundamentals of sailing. They are designed specifically for young sailors, balancing stability with responsiveness, enabling kids to get a genuine feel for boat handling and wind dynamics. What truly sets this program apart is its flexibility and accessibility; participants aren't confined to scheduled lessons but can practice independently within safe waters, fostering not just skill but a deep personal connection with sailing. Somers itself is a standout destination along Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, known for its picturesque beaches, quiet atmosphere, and strong sailing community. The clear waters here offer ideal conditions for learning to tack, jibe, and read the wind without the overwhelming waves of more exposed locations. Beyond the water, Somers presents a charming local culture and access to protected reserves abundant with native flora such as coastal banksias and she-oaks. Historically, Western Port Bay has been a critical marine hub since colonial times, and today, conservation efforts balance recreational use with protecting the area's rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and marine species. Families visiting Somers for this program benefit from proximity to nearby towns including Hastings and Mornington, where accommodations and amenities are traveler-friendly. The local sailing clubs often hold regattas and community events, allowing participants to engage further with like-minded enthusiasts. Ultimately, the Open Skiff - Season Hire is an inviting, hands-on introduction to sailing that goes beyond typical lessons. For young sailors seeking freedom on the water, skill growth, and unforgettable summer days in an iconic Australian setting, this experience is an ideal pick and a rewarding investment in outdoor adventure.

Route Schematic

Typical Use: From Club Ramp to Independent Practice

Season hire use tends to follow a simple pattern of collection, practice and return, with specific limitations around formal club sessions.

  1. Collect at Somers Yacht Club

    Members collect their hired Open Skiff from the club and prepare for the day’s session; booking and collection details are arranged through the club contact.

  2. Independent Practice Sessions

    Outside scheduled club days, hires may be taken out at times not listed on the club calendar; these are unsupervised periods when sailors can practise boat handling and drills.

  3. Return and Club Use

    Hired boats are returned to club control when not in use — note the club retains use for Sailing School sessions and season hires must respect those times.

Season hires are available to club members only; boats may be used without a patrol boat present, so sailors are strongly advised never to go out alone and to follow club guidance.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LEARNING

Skill-building in a Purpose-Built Junior Boat

Open Skiffs are lightweight, easy to handle and intended for young sailors learning the ropes — ideal for practicing boat handling and preparing for junior racing.

THE ROUTINE

Freedom to Practise Beyond Club Days

Season hires may be taken out at times not listed on the club calendar, giving young sailors the freedom to practise outside formal club sessions — though sailors are strongly advised never to go out alone.

THE VALUE

Low-Commitment, Season-Long Access

Hiring an Open Skiff for the season is an affordable way to support a child’s sailing development before committing to buying a boat, with the club retaining Sailing School usage rights during scheduled sessions.

What the day feels like

What a Season of Open Skiff Hire Feels Like

Across a season of roughly 30 weeks, a hired Open Skiff becomes a training platform: short on ceremony but rich in repetition — launches from the club, solo practice (with care), incremental skill gains and the occasional taste of junior racing. The boat is available for members to use outside scheduled club times, offering repeated, real‑world practice that accelerates learning.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this hire suits — and who should think twice.

1
Junior SailorsDesigned for young sailors learning to sail, the Open Skiff season hire is a good match for juniors who want repeated practice — membership and safe companion practices are required.
2
Parents & GuardiansA practical option for parents seeking an affordable way to develop a child’s sailing before purchasing a boat; coordinate booking and safety with the club.
3
Club MembersAvailable only to Somers Yacht Club members, making it a straightforward choice for families already involved with the club’s programs.
4
Coaches & Youth ProgramsUseful for youth programs that want accessible boats for seasonal training, while keeping in mind the club’s retained Sailing School sessions and safety guidance.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Open Skiffs are available for hire for a whole season — approximately 30 weeks.

Membership & Booking

This activity is available for members only. Please talk to Marie Labat before booking at 0401 969 117 to secure a season hire.

What to Bring

Contact the club for specific gear and equipment requirements and recommendations for junior sailors.

Safety & Club Use

Hires may be taken out at times not listed on the club calendar and sometimes without a patrol boat present; sailors are strongly advised never to go out alone and must respect Sailing School session times.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does a season hire run?

A seasonal hire covers the whole season — that is approximately 30 weeks.

Who is eligible to hire an Open Skiff?

Seasonal hire is available to Somers Yacht Club members only.

Can my child take the boat out outside club days?

Yes — with a season hire the boat may be taken out at times not listed on the club calendar, but sailors are strongly advised never to go out alone.

Do Sailing School sessions limit hire use?

The club retains usage rights for Sailing School sessions; outside of those times hired boats can be used by members.

How do I book a seasonal hire?

Contact Marie Labat at 0401 969 117 before booking to arrange hire and confirm availability.

Are Open Skiffs suitable for beginners?

Open Skiffs are designed for young sailors to build skills and confidence and are commonly used for learning and junior racing.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-09-14T12:09:02.638Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

Season-Long Open Skiff Hire at Somers: Let a Young Sailor Own the Water