Discover Sailing Centre in Focus – Gosford Sailing Club

Established in 1932, Gosford Sailing Club (GSC) has a proud maritime heritage, located in the picturesque waters of Brisbane Water. From humble beginnings with a fleet of just two 16-foot skiffs, the Club has grown into a vibrant hub for sailors of all ages, united by a love of sailing and a welcoming, community-minded spirit. Whether it’s a junior taking their first lesson or a seasoned skipper helming an ocean-going yacht, GSC provides a true home on the water.

Sailing Academy Manager, Sophie McIntosh said the Club’s Sailing Academy and Learn to Sail pathway have become central to its identity and long-term growth.

“Our focus over recent seasons has been on refining the Learn to Sail pathway to ensure participants can transition smoothly into club racing,” she said. “We’ve aligned our programs with Australian Sailing’s Discover Sailing framework while ensuring they meet the specific needs of our community here at Gosford.”

Gosford Sailing Club delivers a comprehensive range of courses for kids, teenagers and adults through its Sailing Academy. Young sailors commence in the Tackers 1, 2 and 3 programs before progressing into Green Fleet racing, with additional weekday training available to help build confidence and independence. Try Sailing days, conducted in partnership with club fleets, have strengthened junior retention and contributed to the establishment of new classes within the Club. This growth in participation and the establishment of clear pathways has positioned GSC strongly to host key regattas. 

“Hosting the Sail Gosford Open Skiff NSW State Championships in 2026 represents a significant milestone for our juniors, as it will be the first time this class has held a regatta at Gosford Sailing Club,” Sophie said. “It’s exciting to see the participation pool growing, and providing a regatta that can nurture this momentum is incredibly important for this age group. We’re anticipating around 60 sailors from across the State to compete, and it gives our developing sailors a fantastic goal to work toward.” This event will be the fourth State Title event Gosford hosts this season, adding to the NSW Contender Class, Etchells Class and Flying Dutchman State Titles. The Club is also exploring possibilities to host the Taser Class Nationals in 2027 and welcomes Cross-Club collaboration to strengthen participation and development for the next generation of sailors.

Teenagers progress through the Out There Sailing pathway, including the highly regarded Interschool Sailing Program, which engages students from more than five local high schools as well as home-schooled participantsNew initiatives such as the Remote-Controlled Yacht STEM Program developed in collaboration with the Club’s RC Yacht group, provide additional opportunities for skill development, innovation and community engagement.

Adults can join either Dinghy or Keelboat Learn to Sail programs, with events such as Discover Sailing Experiences and Try a Yacht Fleet days serving as important introductory sessions that feed into the Club’s broader racing and training programs. The Academy was recently ranked 3rd in Australia for Keelboat Programs, a highlight for the Club and a reflection of the program’s popularity and accessibility. Partnerships with groups such as Saltwater Veterans and local organisations have also broadened participation across the community.

A hallmark of Gosford Sailing Club is its commitment to inclusive sailing. Programs such as SheSails, Radio-Controlled Yacht Sailing, and Sailability Gosford ensure people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can get on the water. Established in 1995, Sailability Gosford is the first program of its kind in NSW, offering supported sailing experiences for around 70 participants each year, using specialised equipment and a passionate team of volunteers.

For over 90 years, GSC has upheld a proud tradition of developing champions. Olympic Gold Medallist and SailGP Team Australia skipper Tom Slingsby is a longtime member and Club Ambassador, alongside numerous state, national and world champions whose achievements continue to inspire future generations and uphold the Club’s proud sailing tradition. 

“We take a lot of pride in our history and the people who have come through the Club,” Sophie said. “Whether someone is taking their first Tackers lesson or racing in an ILCA at a world championship, we want them to feel supported, valued and part of our community.”

The Club hosts a full calendar of competitive racing, community programs, and social sailing events that run throughout the year, catering to sailors of all ages and skill levels. Discover more about upcoming events, training opportunities, and ways to get involved here.