Located on Victoria’s far south-west coast, Portland Yacht Club operates alongside one of the state’s only natural deep-water commercial ports, offering sailing in a unique working harbour environment. Serving local families, volunteers and visiting sailors, the club plays an important role in providing safe, inclusive and community-focused sailing. 

Portland Yacht Club has recently reached a significant milestone in its development, delivering an Australian Sailing Instructor Course and officially becoming a Discover Sailing Centre, positioning the club to grow participation and deliver high-quality sailing experiences into the future. 

Supported by the Victorian Government’s Strengthening Regional Community Sport Program the instructor course was held at Portland Yacht Club in December and focused on building local coaching capability. The course enabled club members to gain nationally recognised Australian Sailing instructor qualifications, strengthening the club’s capacity to safely and confidently deliver learn-to-sail and participation programs. 

The course covered instructing techniques, risk management, safety systems, effective session planning and delivery, ensuring newly qualified instructors are well equipped to support sailors of all ages and abilities. By investing in people and skills, Portland Yacht Club has taken a critical step toward long-term sustainability and growth. 

Achieving Discover Sailing Centre accreditation further cements this progress, formally recognising Portland Yacht Club as an approved provider of Australian Sailing programs. This accreditation ensures consistent national standards in instructing, coaching and program delivery, while also connecting the club into a broader pathway model that supports new participants from their first experience on the water through to ongoing club racing. 

With an expanded instructor team now in place, the club is well positioned to increase participation, offer more regular entry-level programs, and support the continued growth of sailing at the Club.  

Last week, Portland Yacht Club delivered a Kids Training Week, providing young sailors with structured, on-water learning opportunities supported by instructors. The program demonstrated how increased coaching capacity can translate directly into engaging and accessible sailing experiences for the local community. 

Portland Yacht Club is set for a busy and exciting period ahead creating more opportunities for people of all ages to experience sailing, build skills on the water, and become part of the club’s growing community.