It won’t be long until we can open the doors of our clubs again and running learn to sail courses and sail training programs will soon be an option. These tips will help you prepare now to ensure your customers return to fill the courses and get boats on the water again soon.

A recent survey of participants from Discover Sailing Centres highlighted the 3 biggest barriers to continuing after a “Learn to sail course” are: 
1.    Lack of information on what to do next.
2.    Lack of information on the next course.
3.    Lack of information about access to boats.

These tips can help tailor information to suit your club to support the needs of your participants and will assist in getting your Discover Sailing Centre activities up and going sooner rather than later.  

You may also be able to apply these tips to your club membership group or even event participants.

1.    Communicate – Communication is key. Let them know how the club is going with regular updates. Provide information on:
a.    options for club membership
b.    how to participate in club activities
c.    future social events/opportunities, as well as courses and programs
d.    how to become a club volunteer
e.    discounts for returning customers and for referring and signing up a friend

2.    Expression of Interest - Distribute an “Expression of Interest” form to capture information of customers that are interested in hearing information on your next round of courses/programs/events as soon as it is available.

3.    Invite - Encourage them to join the club’s social media platforms so they stay informed and contribute to your sailing club’s online community.

4.    Feedback - Ask for feedback on what courses they would like to participate in, or how could the club do more to encourage and welcome new participants and potential new members. 

5.    Personalise- Add a personal touch by calling your past customers and ask how they are going or if there is any information they need to assist in continuing their sailing journey. 

6.    Resources - Email participants with resources for activities to learn or to entertain the children. Colouring sheets, cross words etc. that they can print at home. The Tackers resources are great.

7.    Pictures/Videos - Send participants pictures or videos of themselves or their children with a short note – “Can’t wait to see Billy back on the water soon”.

8.    Online Games - Send details on how to join and play an online sailing game. Even better, set up an online event where they can race their friends or classmates. See LINK

9.    Get Social - Encourage them to share a picture or short video on the clubs Instagram or other social media platforms.

10.    Learn online - Share online learning opportunities – Online mark Laying course for example – you may just create a volunteer for when your club’s racing calendar returns.

These ideas will get you started, but if you have success with any new ideas, please let our team know so we can share with others.