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OutThere Sailing for Teenagers
For teenagers who have outgrown Tackers and are not ready for an adult course.
OutThere Sailing is aimed primarily at teenagers and provides a more social introduction to sailing than a traditional junior racing pathway.
Australian Sailing currently lists OutThere courses for both dinghies and keelboats, including Experience, Levels 1, 2 and 3 and combined programs.
OutThere Sailing Experience
Short introductory experience.
OutThere Sailing 1
Introduces sailing while retaining a strong social focus.
OutThere Sailing 2
Develops skills acquired at Level 1.
OutThere Sailing 3
Moves participants toward greater sailing independence.
OutThere Combined
Allows different skill levels to participate in one broader program while progressing individually.
This can suit teenagers who may feel too old for Tackers but are not yet looking for a formal adult qualification.
- Who it suits
- Teenagers who want to sail socially with people their own age.
- What it is not
- Not a racing pathway, though it often leads to one.
Primary source: Australian Sailing courses. Course structures and prerequisites can change; confirm the current version with the training body and school.
The course in context
OutThere Sailing is a participation programme for teenagers, combining time on the water with a social learning environment. It is useful for young people who want to try sailing without assuming they must enter a racing pathway. The actual boat and activities depend on the centre.
Before you start
Ask the provider about the age range for its particular programme, swimming confidence and whether beginners are welcome. OutThere offerings can differ, so check the individual session rather than assuming every venue runs the same format.
Skills you will develop
Practical participation
Learners take part in sailing tasks rather than simply being passengers. The balance between instruction and activity should suit the group’s experience.
Teamwork
Sharing jobs and communicating aboard builds confidence as well as sailing ability. A supportive group can make trying an unfamiliar sport much easier.
Finding a next step
The programme can help a teenager discover whether they enjoy dinghies, keelboats or regular club activities. Racing is one option, not the only successful outcome.
Training and assessment
Confirm whether the local offering uses keelboats, dinghies or a mixture of activities, and whether it awards a specific course completion. Programme participation should not be described as an independent skipper qualification.
Questions to ask the school
- Which boats and activities are included?
- Is the group suitable for complete beginners?
- What continuing sailing opportunities are available?
Related learning
Other Australian Sailing courses
Tackers Sailing Courses
Australian Sailing’s junior program, built around fun and water confidence first and sailing technique second.
Australian Sailing Dinghy Courses
The most widely available learn-to-sail route in the country, and the fastest way to real wind awareness.
Australian Sailing Keelboat Courses
Start Crewing, Start Helming, Start Skippering — a stable boat and a natural bridge toward yachts.
Australian Sailing Safety & Sea Survival
Two days on what to do when it goes seriously wrong offshore, including a liferaft session in the pool.
Australian Sailing Powerboat Courses for Sailors
More relevant to sailors than the name suggests: nearly all rescue and support work happens from a powerboat.
Australian Sailing Instructor Pathway
The domestic route into teaching, and where most Australian sailing instructors begin.
Australian schools using Australian Sailing
These schools advertise training under the Australian Sailing system. This does not confirm that every school currently runs OutThere Sailing for Teenagers; check the current course list directly.
Which course should you actually book?
Three questions — your experience, the boat you want to sail, and your goal — give you a starting course and the schools that teach it near you.