UPDATE FOR STATES - AUGUST 2011

Tackers Summary - August 2011 YA preferred national junior sailing program Major component of YA funding from ASC for Participation Four years of development and piloting in Victoria YA now rolling out with initial States/Clubs

The objective of the “Tackers” program is to attract a significantly increased number of primary school age children to sailing, especially those who would not otherwise, and have them participate in an initial “fun” sailing experience before progressing on a pathway, to a full learn to sail course over 3 levels, then non competitive participation, and long term club membership.

Why ? Victoria 2005 Stagnant (at best) participation in sailing – declining youth and junior Over 70 competitor sports - many with strong junior programs. Plenty of other leisure options Fragmented approach – few clubs with junior programs and limited consistency or marketing. Club junior programs generally not based on research or a sound child based strategy Clubs said juniors and youth were highest priority

How ? Tackers Development to date Methodology –Research with other sports, & overseas –Piloting of concepts and ideas –Initial 3 locations now 10 – continuous improvement –Latest version will be completed with ASC funding –Eight guiding values – see next slide Funding –VicHealth - $300k + –ASC, ASF, Several private donors & YV - $100k +

Tackers - 8 Guiding Principles / Values 1.Kid centric – recognizes kids’ learning styles and behaviors are different to adults 2.Non competitive – fun and social 3.Professional young instructors 4.Program delivery consistent at every location 5.Branded modern presentation – in all regards 6.Targets kids outside existing club membership 7.Value for money relative to other sports – all inclusive fee 8.Graduated pathway over several steps & seasons – fundamental skills foundations and enthusiasm for long term participation

What is Tackers ? Different to other junior learn to sail programs –Targets younger – 7 yo for Tackers 1 (Kids Centric)) –Games based learning (Fun) –Young professional instructors (Fun) –Contemporary presentation and branding (Fun) Similar to YA Get into Small Boat sailing –Must be a YA Training Centre –Core syllabus = YA Small Boat (GISBS) –Multiple levels - Pathway based, Tackers 1,2 and 3 – each 20 hours leading to Green Fleet

Ozi Optimist is the preferred boat but It’s not about the boat ! For Non sailors its like Ikea - out of the box Affordable – inexpensive ! Colorful – no white sails ! No Maintenance – bullet proof Universal – identical for everyone International - Provides a pathway to Optimist Australian Made Modified to suit the program – 20% < sail and 20% more hull weight than Optimist, modified to fit 2 + kids

The Victorian experience YV Tackers Numbers – Pilot Program Clubs Total (Av) Clubs Total (Av) Clubs Total (Av) Clubs Total (Av) Tackers 1 (Fun) 286 (95)292 (58)694 (99)884 (84) Tackers 2 (Tricks) 40 (13)30 (6)245 (41)356 (36) Tackers 3 (Fast) (18)158 (16) TOTAL326 (109)322 (64)1049 (175)1398 (140) Add for Little Tackers Pilot (4-6yo ) = 73 Tackers Introduction = 2579 Note the Boat Shed incl. Mobile = 50% = 663

Where to after Tackers = The Pathway Ideally start at 7 y.o. (no later than 12) Clearly defined & well communicated pathway Kids progress at own pace – one year per level During Tackers kids practice with Tackers Fleet Green Fleet (level 4) - After Tackers 3 & before Club Racing (ISAF Modified Rules for introductory racing - No Blue Book) After Green Fleet = recreational sailing or club racing (level 5) in any class of boat

Tackers – other points Tackers 1 Having Fun is 2 kids per boat Tackers 2 Tricks & Techniques and Tackers 3 Sailing Fast is 1 kid per boat There is a Tackers Introduction Session of 2.5hrs –Has been trialed with Australian Sports Commission for their Active After School Program Club expected to supply boats right up to club racing Retail Price seems to be $300 (+/- $50). In Vic survey of customers 95% said this was good value

What do Tacker’s Clubs Commit to ? Following the Tackers guidelines – strictly Being a Yachting Australia Training Centre and following the requirements – strictly Funding instructor training & uniforms Providing the resources and infrastructure – including all boats, facilities organisation etc Appointing a Tackers Leader Free Club Membership Category = Tacker At least 100 students per year

YATC Guidelines Risk Management and Insurance Safety and safety boats Qualified (including Assistant) Instructors MyCentre – entry of all students and issue of merchandise and certificates The YA Small Boat (GISBS) syllabus

Fees & Costs to Clubs Supply of Ozi - Opti’s - minimum 6 ideally 10 or more Supply of Safety Boats – fuel etc Instructor Training Instructor Uniforms Tacker’s Fees to YA for –Tackers 1 = $80, Tackers 2 and 3 = $75 plus gst –Includes for kid - cap, bottle, t-shirt etc –Includes for Club promo materials such as posters, banners, activity sheets etc –5% on line enrollment fee (optional) –

What do Instructors Commit to ? Having Fun The mantra “I want kids to come back” Tackers guidelines (Instructor Manual) Completing the Tackers Induction YATC requirements Tackers advocates and ambassadors Wearing the Tackers outfit & Having a nickname ! (Victoria has inducted over 80 young instructors and helped retain them in sailing)

Parents & families Tackers is about attracting families to clubs Parents are not encouraged to be directly involved –Possible involvement and qualification as Assistant Instructors or Coordinators –Provide a social viewing environment – at least an expresso machine –If they want “kid” sitting – provide it School holiday programs are imporant

The YA Roll out States will have to sign a Tackers Agreement with YA ( as Clubs have to with States) There will need to be a passionate Tackers Leader in each state (as at each club) The values and guidelines will not be compromised but will be continually improved.

Next Developments All current materials being updated for YA More guidelines on Green Fleet Better IT support as part of MyCentre –On line entry –Customer surveying & research –On Line Shop for all materials and merchandise Increased marketing –National plan materials & website Little Tackers yo

More Information ? See Club Information and Application Guide Booklet