Australian Sailing Launches SailLAB: Bringing Sailing into Classrooms Through STEM
Australian Sailing has officially launched SailLAB, an exciting new free STEM education program designed to bring the science and innovation of sailing directly into Australian classrooms.
Developed with support from the Western Australian Government’s Strategic Initiatives Grant celebrating the 40th anniversary of Australia II’s America’s Cup victory, SailLAB has been created by teachers and is fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum. The program was successfully piloted across 2024-25 in nine Western Australian schools, engaging more than 400 students from Years 5-12.
SailLAB offers:
- Six Primary Modules and ten Secondary Modules, covering wind, forces, design engineering, oceanography, meteorology and more
- Engaging student workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, teacher guides, assessments and completion certificates
- Module challenges that follow the STEM Learning Cycle, where students question, imagine, plan, create, test, improve, re-test and analyse
- Inspiring module introduction videos featuring Australian Olympic and America’s Cup athletes
- A major America’s Cup-themed design challenge
- Strong links to real-world STEM and marine-industry careers
A further ten new modules are now in development, including content on ropework, materials science, navigation, sustainability and cutting-edge technology showcased through SailGP.
To complement classroom learning, SailLAB Experience Days will be delivered via local sailing clubs, giving students hands-on sailing and STEM activities, whether on the water or with radio-control boats in pools, lakes or community facilities.
Interest for 2026 is already strong, with over 40 schools signed up nationwide, representing more than 2,000 students. The program is proving especially valuable for regional schools looking for accessible, high-impact STEM options.
SailLAB is free for all schools, and teachers can unlock additional resources by submitting an Expression of Interest.
Visit the SailLAB page on our website for more information on the program or to complete an Expression of Interest for your school today.
