Avalon Sailing Club in NSW has been a cornerstone of the Northern Beaches sailing community since 1938. With a vibrant membership spanning ages seven to 87, the club continues to inspire generations of sailors through its thriving Discover Sailing Centre and welcoming family atmosphere. 

Commodore Helena van de Linde said the club’s Learn to Sail program has been a key part of its identity for more than two decades. 

“We’ve successfully been running the Blue and Red Group season concept for over 20 years. Iain Murray and a few other experienced parents consolidated the program in those earlier years, and we’velargely run the same concept since,” she said. 

Avalon Sailing Club offers Start Sailing 1 & 2, known as the Blue Group, and Better Sailing 3 and Start Racing 4, known as the Red Group. Each program runs for a full season from September to April, with sailors progressing through the levels based on their skill and confidence. Primary school-aged children make up the bulk of the Learn to Sail cohort, with many continuing into club racing through the Gold Group. 

“We sign the children up for the whole season - just like other sports - rather than one course at a time,” van de Linde said. “It gives families a sense of commitment and belonging, and it’s made a real difference in our retention and community spirit.” 

The club provides boats for Blue Group sailors, including a fleet of dynamic Iain Murray–designed “Nippas”, while Red Group sailors progress to O’pen Skiffs, Manly Juniors and Flying 11s. Adults can also get involved through a dedicated Learn to Sail program run over four Saturdays, before moving into the Red and Gold Groups to build their racing experience in Spirals, Lasers or Aeros. 

A key strength of Avalon’s Discover Sailing Centre is its focus on growing coaches from within. 

“We develop coaches organically from our Learn to Sail graduates. Our head coach is an adult, and all other coaches are certified teenagers. The younger kids look up to them and relate to them - it’s something that really works for us,” van de Linde said.  

This model has fostered leadership skills among young members, with many gaining confidence, responsibility and even pathways into university and employment thanks to their coaching experience. Parents are also encouraged to play an active role. 

“We make sure parents are engaged and out on the water. They love seeing their kids sail, they learn new skills themselves, and quite a few go on to join our Adult Learn to Sail program,” she said.  

Avalon became an accredited Discover Sailing Centre in 2022, but its focus on fun, inclusivity and steady progression has long been central to its success. While the club’s size and storage limit its programs, its impact on Australian sailing is significant - with notable alumni including Nina Curtis, Jim Colley, Tash Bryant, Jimmie Spithill, Alistair Read, Juliet Costanzo, Clare Costanzo and Annaliese Scholten. 

“We’re proud of our location, our history and the sense of community we’ve built,” van de Linde said. “We want every sailor, no matter their age or level, to enjoy their time on the water and to feel part of something special.”