In 2021 Australian Sailing introduced Club Pathways, a program which will invest in creating life-long sailors at clubs. Club Pathways will comprise of resources for clubs which focus on participation, retaining and developing sailors, coaches and volunteers. The mission of the program is to assist clubs to grow club membership in a flexible, fun and accessible manner. 

Several resources are already in development, and throughout 2022 Australian Sailing will regularly deliver participation-focussed resources, tools, strategies, and instructor and coach development to all clubs and class associations.  The documents will support clubs towards their membership goals on steps 1 through 6 of the sailing pathways. 

To achieve the best outcomes for clubs, during the current 2021-22 sailing season the National Club Pathway Working Group is focusing on testing and providing feedback on the 2021 development work. The testing of resources is in a custom-fit approach for their club and members.  

The feedback from the national working group has been of great value, with that feedback helping shape the future developments and delivery of the program. Clubs involved in that process are reporting that the resources and program implementation strategies are helping in the successful retention of participants from learn to sail to club coaching programs (steps 4-6). 

Australian Sailing will continue to update Clubs on the progress of the project, with details of the new resources to be listed in bi-monthly updates here in Club News. 

 For Club Pathways to be successful in achieving club goals in the future, this year we expect to deliver: 

-       A suite of resources and tools for Clubs 

-       Sailing Participant Pathway Framework 

-       Launch of a Foundation Coach Course 

-       Coach and Instructor Development Plan 

-       Plus, the launch of introduction programs in Foiling 

Club participation programs cover all disciplines: Keelboats, Dinghies, Boards, and Foiling classes.  

Additional to the supply of resources, Australian Sailing will carry out one-on-one collaboration with pilot clubs to further cement best practice with club centred outcomes at the forefront. If your club is interested in being involved in the program as a Pilot Club, please register your interest through the link below. 

Expression of Interest in Club Participation development 

If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Sarah Ogilvie at Sarah.ogilvie@sailing.org.au.