THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Introduce your child to sailing with this 8-week beginner course held in Manly, NSW. Perfect for ages 7+, it combines safety, fun, and skill-building on Sydney’s calm harbor waters.
Introduce your child to sailing with this 8-week beginner course held in Manly, NSW. Perfect for ages 7+, it combines safety, fun, and skill-building on Sydney’s calm harbor waters.
Book with Manly Sailing
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Manly Sailing · Manly, New South Wales
Manly, a vibrant seaside suburb in New South Wales, Australia, offers more than just sun and surf — it sets an ideal stage for young adventurers to discover sailing through the Kids Learn to Sail: Opti (Level 1) course. This accessible program is tailored for children aged 7 and up, inviting beginners onto the water to explore the fundamentals of sailing amid the gentle, inviting waves of Manly’s iconic harbor. As an 8-week course held at the Manly Yacht Club, it balances structured learning with plenty of fun, forging skills that foster confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for the sport.
Manly’s location along the Pacific Ocean provides a naturally stimulating environment for budding sailors. The sheltered waters of Sydney Harbour’s northern entrance are perfect for Optimist dinghies — small, stable sailboats designed specifically for young sailors. Participants gain firsthand experience handling these craft under expert guidance from instructors who ensure safety and skill-building at every turn. In addition to learning sailing basics like rigging, steering, and wind awareness, children develop valuable outdoor fitness and resilience.
The course operates on weekdays and weekends with sessions from 4pm to 6:15pm or 8am to 10:15am, providing flexibility for families. To ease participation, Manly Sailing offers convenient school pickups from Manly Village Public School on Mondays, with additional days pending confirmation. Safety is a top priority: all kids must be able to swim and wear provided life jackets throughout the sessions.
More than a mere sport, sailing here is an inclusive activity blending individual skill with teamwork, making it an excellent choice for children to stay active and social. What's more, Manly Sailing is a registered Active Kids Provider, helping families use government sport vouchers for course fees — a practical benefit for many.
Beyond lessons, Manly itself is a treasure trove of outdoor recreation, with beaches, coastal walks, and wildlife all readily accessible. The sailing club, situated on the East Esplanade, is a well-established part of this coastal community, fostering a supportive environment that encourages young sailors to connect with nature and with peers.
For parents looking to introduce their children to an enjoyable, engaging water sport with clear development goals, the Kids Learn to Sail: Opti (Level 1) course in Manly offers an ideal blend of education, safety, and excitement. By the end of the program, kids don’t just learn to sail — they embark on a journey of exploration, skill-building, and outdoor adventure on Australia’s stunning coastline.
easy.
2 hours per session.
Children should be comfortable swimming and able to handle moderate physical activity during lessons.
The course is designed for children aged 7 and older who can swim.
Yes, all participants are provided with life jackets which must be worn at all times on the water.
No prior experience is necessary; the course is for beginner sailors starting out.
Instructors supervise closely, life jackets are mandatory, and participants must be able to swim.
Yes, pickup from Manly Village Public School is offered for Monday classes, with others to be confirmed.
Each lesson lasts approximately 2 hours, occurring weekly over an 8-week period.
Manly Yacht Club has been fostering sailing since the early 1900s, building a strong community of water enthusiasts.
The program emphasizes environmental stewardship, encouraging young sailors to respect marine ecosystems and minimize impact.
Manly Sailing is a water‑based activity provider located in Manly, New South Wales, offering a broad range of sailing, kayaking, and youth adventure programs. Operating from Manly Cove and sailing into Sydney Harbour, Manly Sailing runs kayak hires, guided kayak tours, taster sailing experiences on 24‑foot yachts, and multi‑day sailing and adventure camps for children and teens. The programme includes single sit‑on‑top kayak hire and guided 1.5‑hour kayak tours that visit beaches such as Store Beach and Collins Flat; taster sailing experiences and 2.5‑hour sailing trips on 24‑foot yachts; one‑day and multi‑day keelboat and yachting camps for ages 12–17; kids' learn‑to‑sail Opti and advanced Optimist/O’pen Skiff courses; windsurfing, snorkelling and team‑based adventure camps; plus Australian Sailing Start Crewing and Start Helming course options and private two‑day crew/helm instruction for small groups. Safety and instruction are core features across offerings. Professional skippers and experienced instructors provide briefings, demonstrations and supervision. Safety equipment is supplied on courses and camps, and activities are structured for family‑friendly kayak hires, beginner taster sails, and youth development programs focused on confidence and skill building. Bookings range from hourly kayak hires to multi‑day camps and formal Australian Sailing courses, with options for private bookings or group experiences. Many youth camps offer early drop‑off and flexible scheduling to suit family needs. Small‑group instruction and private bookings are available for families, school groups and small friend groups seeking tailored experiences safely.
Book with Manly Sailing