Club Training and Coaching

Junior & Youth Training Programs

At South of Perth Yacht Club, our coaching programs provide clear pathways from Learn to Sail through to club, state, national and international competition. Delivered by qualified coaches, our summer and winter programs help sailors develop skills, confidence and a lifelong passion for the sport.

Optimist (Ages 7-14)

The world’s most popular junior sailing class and the foundation of SoPYC’s youth pathway.

The Optimist’s stable and forgiving design makes it the ideal boat for young sailors starting their sailing journey.

Progression includes:

  • Green Fleet (Learn to Sail)
  • Bronze Fleet (Transition Racing)
  • Silver Fleet (Learn to Race)
  • Gold Fleet (Learn to Compete)

 

Open Skiff (Ages 8-15)

A modern, lightweight performance dinghy that develops boat handling, balance and racing skills. The Open Skiff is an excellent stepping stone into higher-performance sailing classes.

ILCA (Laser) Classes

One of the largest and most successful racing classes in the world, offering pathways from youth sailing to Olympic competition.

ILCA 4

  • Ideal for developing single-handed racing skills
  • Popular next step after Optimists and Open Skiffs

ILCA 6

  • International youth and Olympic women’s class
  • Suitable for sailors progressing into higher-level competition

ILCA 7

  • Olympic men’s class
  • Popular with competitive and recreational sailors alike

125 Class (Ages 13+)

A fun, affordable two-person dinghy featuring both a spinnaker and trapeze. Popular with youth sailors, families and club racers looking for exciting double-handed sailing.

29er (Ages 14-17)

A high-performance youth skiff designed for speed. Featuring an asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze, the 29er is the recognised pathway to the Olympic 49er and 49erFX classes.

Flying Fifteen

A two-person planing keelboat that combines close, tactical racing with a strong social culture. SoPYC hosts one of Australia’s most successful Flying Fifteen fleets, with sailors ranging from club competitors to world champions.

Boards and Foiling

Windsurfer LT

One of the world’s fastest-growing racing classes, offering fun, affordable and accessible board sailing. Perfect for cruising, racing and developing sailing feel and board handling skills.

Windfoil

The latest Olympic windsurfing discipline and the future of performance sailing. Windfoiling provides experienced windsurfers with an exciting pathway into high-speed foiling and international competition.

Wingfoiling

One of the fastest-growing watersports worldwide. Combining elements of sailing, surfing and foiling, Wingfoiling offers opportunities for freeriding, racing, wave riding and cross-training.

Why Train at SoPYC?

  • Qualified and experienced coaches
  • Structured summer and winter training programs
  • Australian Sailing accredited training pathways
  • WAIS-affiliated athlete development opportunities
  • Clear progression from beginner to high-performance racing
  • Access to Perth’s premier sailing venue on the Swan River

Whether your goal is club racing, state championships, national titles or simply enjoying time on the water, SoPYC provides the coaching, pathways and community to help you succeed.