Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) has evolved from its traditional Couta Boat roots into one of Victoria’s most vibrant and community-focused Discover Sailing Centres. Established in 1948, the historic Sorrento Sailing Club later merged with the Couta Boat Club, creating a united community that brings together generations of sailors on the Mornington Peninsula. With calm summer waters, gentle offshore breezes, and the stunning Sorrento foreshore, the Club offers an ideal environment for learning, racing, and social sailing.

At SSCBC, Discover Sailing has become a key part of the Club’s approach to welcoming new sailors. David White, Academy Manager, said, “Becoming a Discover Sailing Centre gives us a strong platform to help people get on the water.” He added, “It allows us to engage accredited Australian Sailing instructors, deliver high-quality programs, and ensure every participant has a safe and positive introduction to sailing.”

The Club’s Sailing Academy offers a broad range of Discover Sailing courses for all ages. Young sailors start in junior programs for 5-7 and 7-11 year olds before moving into the OutThere Sailing program for teenagers. Adults can join the very successful Couta Crew Course. This is the perfect pathway into Couta Boat sailing, while specialty programs such as the Foil Lab, Powerboat Courses and structured coaching programs allow sailors to continue developing skills at any stage of their journey.

For young sailors, the pathway doesn’t stop at learning to sail. Graduates move into Green Fleet and Open Fleet, before advancing into Youth Fleet, ILCA, 29er, and Waszp classes. Youth programs remain a key focus for SSCBC, supported by initiatives like the Local School Sailing, targeted scholarships and partnerships with class associations to create additional opportunities for youth sailors. 

“Our focus is always on building confidence and independence on the water,” David said. “We work closely with class associations, including VIODA, the Victorian Laser Association, and the 29er and Waszp Associations, to run events and coaching programs that give sailors a clear pathway from their first lessons through to high-performance racing.”

One of SSCBC’s proudest achievements is launching its after-school sailing program, delivered through a partnership with TLC Healthcare. Since its launch in 2024, 57 young sailors have entered the sport through the program, with 13 receiving scholarships that provide nine months of free membership and training. This season, 33 young sailors will participate, guided by accredited Australian Sailing instructors and dedicated volunteers.

“Thanks to TLC Healthcare’s sponsorship, we’ve been able to open the door for young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity, giving them a chance to discover sailing and feel part of the Club” the Academy Manager said.

Participation and inclusion are central to SSCBC’s mission. The Club’s events create opportunities for sailors of all ages and experience levels to get on the water and feel part of the community.

Participation Days such as Next Gen and Lady Skippers days have become a highlight of the Club’s calendar, welcoming around 200 sailors to each event. Experienced skippers are paired with newcomers aboard Couta Boats, ensuring each boat has a mix of sailors and beginners. “It creates such a lively, social atmosphere and is a fantastic way to introduce people to the Club,” said White. 

Over the past three years, the annual Ladies Skippers Day, run in partnership with the SheSails committee, has also grown into a major event attracting 150-200 female participants. Many women get the chance to sail for the first time, while others build on their skills and confidence on the water.

Looking ahead, new initiatives such as the SSCBC Family Day, launching this January, will bring generations together on the water. Parents and children will sail together on Quest dinghies, creating a fun, inclusive, and hands-on introduction to sailing for families.

For more than 75 years, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club has built a proud legacy of developing champions. Olympians and world-class competitors such as Tess Lloyd OLY, Will Phillips OLY and Sam Phillips OLY all came through the Club, setting a benchmark for future generations.

“The next generation is already making its mark,” White cotinued. “Our future role models, Miles and Henri Levenspiel, who narrowly missed selection for the Youth Worlds, currently hold the Under 16 National Championship title in the 29er class. Their success inspires others and keeps our pathways thriving.”

With a full calendar of programs, events and participation initiatives such as the Ripple Program, SSCBC continues to provide opportunities for sailors to learn, progress and enjoy the water. Discover more about SSCBC’s upcoming events and ways to get involved here.