Mordialloc Sailing Club Tackers Program Best Practice review 2009 to 2012

CONVERSION Tackers 1to Green Fleet

The MSC Tackers Schedule MSC started with 6 OziOptis, now we have10. Looking to increase to 12 Opti’s in the near future. A Tackers 1 program which runs Feb/Mar to capitalise on warmer climate. Has to be a pleasant experience for all concerned.

Schedule continued Tackers 1 in Feb – Mar (8:30 to 11:30am) Tackers 2 in Oct – Nov (8:30 to 11:30am) Tackers 3 in Feb – Mar (12:30 to 3:30pm) Program governed by afternoon sea breeze & surf at MSC. Tackers 3 promoted to afternoon sessions.

What worked well Quality: Small group size, therefore quality over quantity. Local instructors: Greater success in retaining students rather than visiting Instructors. Group bonding: A major factor required for the success of the conversion rate. Parental involvement: Keep the parents occupied, involve them in activities too.

Quality over quantity Small group sizes allows for more attention to be given to the children. Make sure children are mixed up during sessions, therefore allowing a greater friendship base to develop. Providing continuity and trust to the children.

Local Instructors Plan A: Our statistics display a greater retention rate of Tackers. A rapport is developed between instructors and Tackers. They know you will be there to teach them from Tackers 1 to Tackers 3. Plan B: Every club must have a list of visiting instructors for when situations arise and you need to out source.

Group bonding All Tackers 3 participants went to the 2012 States in our OziOptis. They all (100%) ended up in their own Opti’s the following season. Develop the friendship between the kids! Develop the friendship between the parents. Make the family want to come to the club.

Parental Involvement A key factor in the conversion rate, as it’s not just about the kids. Involve the parents all the way through from Tackers 1 to family membership. Helps educate the non sailing parents on this new chapter in their families lives. Introduces them as a family to club life every Saturday. Possible conversion of adults wanting to learn to sail themselves.

Club Life at MSC Family membership has increased. New blood to the club, as were are volunteer based, like most clubs. Great fleet of Opti’s sailing every Saturday at MSC, on average 15 per week. Enjoyment of seeing the progress of the children after Tackers. A “win win” all around!