Located on the sunny Gold Coast, Southport Yacht Clubs Academy is proud to be one of the biggest Discover Sailing Centres welcoming participants from all over the area the enjoyment of learning to sail.

Southport Yacht Clubs Oxenford Watersports Centre, is a long standing Discover Sailing Centre that is the clubs dedicated safe ‘Learn to Sail’ site that all participants can enjoy.  

Head of Academy Challenge Wells has made an effort to ensure there is a focus on inclusion and fun for new sailors near and far. “We have families drive in excess of 150km every weekend to participate in our programs solely through word of mouth and the reputation of the centre,” Burrell Wells said.   

Welcoming thousands of participants annually, this Discover Sailing Centre offers all the Discover Sailing programs; Tackers, OutThere Sailing, Dinghy, Windsurfing, Keelboat and Powerboat. They also offer specific SheSails programs to encourage more women to get involved with sailing in the area. 

In 2025, the club hosted their largest Discover Sailing Day with 469 participants sailing in the event and over 1,000 people watching on from the shores.  

“We make a festival out of our Discover Sailing Day with lots of activities and activations. It is always widely supported by the community and City of Gold Coast,” Wells said.  

Outside of their regular Discover Sailing programs, the Southport Yacht Club Academy is even making an impact in schools. Their program with Josiah College has come with remarkable results.  

“The boys got so much more than they ever realised was possible out of the sailing program,” a representative from Josiah College said.  

This Discover Sailing Centre continues to go from strength-to-strength and is looking to make an even bigger splash in 2025! To learn more about the Southport Yacht Club Academy and their Learn to Sail programs, click here.