Applications for the Whitworths Tackers Boat Program opened last November, giving Discover Sailing Centres (DSCs) to buy Tackers boats at over 50% off thanks to the Whitworths and Ozi Opti partnership.

Several DSCs have already applied and been approved, but the offer is capped so Australian Sailing is encouraging those considering to putting in an application to do so soon.

Whitworths Marine and Leisure General Manager, Nigel Curry, provided the following update on the program.

"Whitworths Marine and Leisure in conjunction with Australian Sailing are delighted to see the continued interest from new clubs starting Tackers and existing clubs operating Tackers increasing the size of their club fleets of the Tackers Optimists," said Curry.

"There has been a large number of applicants for the 2024/2025 season and five clubs have been sucessful so far in receiving support from Whitworths Marine and Leisure to help purchase Whitworths Optimist dinghies. Applications are still being accepted via the Australian Sailing website. In addition to the 50 new optimists this season many clubs have also received new Whitworths Optimist Sails donated to replace old, and or damaged sails on existing tacker fleets across the country. Whitworths Marine and Leisure remains committed to helping clubs get youth into the lifelong sport of sailing through the Tackers program and give the club assistance in getting more young people to experience sailing at their local clubs."