Junior and Youth Coaching

The Sorrento Pass

The Sorrento Pass has been introduced to make the Junior and Youth Coaching Programs more affordable with less administration for parents. The Sorrento Pass is a one off registration and payment which includes:

• Coached training sessions for the season between October and April;
• Dinghy Race Days;
• Transition days;
• Selected regatta support;
• All entry fees to Club racing.

Junior Coaching Program

Once sailors graduate from the Sail & Play Course (Level 3), they progress to the Junior Coaching Program, aimed at 8-13 year olds sailing Optimists and Minnows. Sailors have the opportunity to purchase their own boat and join the SSCBC Coaching Program, which offers training courses throughout the year. The Training Centre has a great rent/buy scheme, with some ideal entry level boats (Optis) available for rent for a nominal fee, which has a buy back option if you go on to purchase the boat.

The primary aim of SSCBC’s coaching program is to get as many Club members as possible enjoying the sport of sailing. The measure of success is seeing sailors move from one boat into the next and learning the necessary skills attached to each boat. Sailors progress through the levels from light green to blue.

Light Green Fleet

Following the pathway from Sail & Play, our Light Green Fleet is the transition level into the Coaching Program. It builds on sailing skills developed, along with the step up from plastic to fiberglass boats. The focus is on building independence and exposure to racing.

Green Fleet

Green Fleet further builds on independence and boat handling skills. Sailors’ skills and techniques are further developed to set them up for a lifetime of positive sailing habits.

Yellow Fleet

Yellow Fleet builds on developing skills around advanced boat handling. Sailors at this level are expected to sail in 20 knots of breeze. On the racing side, sailors are exposed to fleet, match and team racing. It is highly recommended for sailors at this level to compete at Club Championships and regional events.

Blue Fleet

Blue Fleet sailors will learn advanced manoeuvres and will be expected to sail in up to 25 knots of breeze. Blue Fleet sailors will need to compete at National and State level regattas. Sailors should be aiming to make the Victorian and Australian squads. At this level, sailors are also shown how to match and team race, as is done for school sport. Differed pathway boats will be used to help facilitate transition into the Youth Sailing Program.

Youth Coaching Program

Our Youth Coaching Program focuses on two levels, aimed at 15-21 year olds. Australian Sailing pathway boats are recommended.

The primary aim of the Youth Coaching Program is to engage our Youth Fleet, both socially and with their learning. Worldwide, this is the age group where the largest number of sailors drop off and SSCBC hopes to challenge this trend by keeping our sailors active and engaged. We offer a variety of programs such as team, fleet and match racing, transition days, cruising days, Next Gen sailing days and many fun, social events.

Red Fleet

Red Fleet is for all sailors transitioning from our Junior to Youth Coaching Program. There are two alternative aims of Red Fleet:

1. To provide a pathway for sailors who would like to focus on racing. It is expected that sailors aim to join State level teams and travel to National events; or
2. To provide a pathway for non-racers who would like to learn how to trapeze, fly spinnakers, learn advanced seamanship skills and sail Couta Boats.

Black Fleet

Black Fleet is the most advanced group of youth sailors at SSCBC. Black Fleet is for sailors wishing to compete at the highest level who are aiming to travel internationally to represent Australia. SSCBC proudly supports its high performance athletes. This is also the age bracket where sailors become Assistant Instructors and Instructors.

Club Racing

Scheduled racing sessions are planned from November to April. Sailors who register for racing are eligible for a series of great prizes. Dates for racing can be found in the Club calendar on our website or directly on our Dinghy page.

Private Coaching Lessons

SSCBC offers private coaching lessons. Private coaching can be very beneficial to for those sailors who may have moved from Sail & Play and want to catch up with Green Fleet very quickly, or if a sailor is hoping for squad selection. Private coaching is also a great way for sailors to fine tune their skills in preparation for a specific event or regatta.

Instructor Pathway

SSCBC encourages its youth sailors to become instructors. It is a great way to develop leadership skills and enjoy the perks of summer employment. SSCBC supports the instructor pathway by running courses in powerboat handling, first aid, AXQ VHF skills, as well as offering grants towards other qualifications.

If you would like to discuss any sailing opportunities at SSCBC, from Learn to Sail through to our dedicated Coaching Program, please contact Head Coach and Development Manager, David White on 5984 8200 or email

SSCBC is please to announce that Zhik is our sailing apparel sponsor again for 2017/18.

Check out this SSCBC exclusive package for dinghy sailors to get you ready for the season ahead! Click on the image. Available exclusively to SSCBC members at Sport Phillip Marine in Mornington. Please show your SSCBC Membership card at the time of purchase.