SailLAB Experience Days are one-day “taster” programs designed to give primary and secondary school students hands-on sailing and onshore learning experiences while they complete the classroom-based SailLAB Primary or Secondary Learning Modules. These days can be delivered through your school’s nearest Australian Sailing Discover Sailing Centre (DSC). 

The Experience Day is designed as an extension of the SailLAB school-based program, with the aim of deepening students’ understanding of sailing and STEM concepts through practical, real-world activities.

The timing of these days is flexible and determined by the teacher. They do not need to take place at the end of the classroom learning component. Some schools choose to schedule their Experience Day when weather conditions are most favourable or when it best fits within their term planning. Depending on budget and scheduling, schools may also choose to run multiple Experience Days.

The program is typically structured as three rotating activities. One session is the on-water component, where students experience sailing first-hand and learn how real sails power a boat. Students participate in small groups with an instructor nearby, and in some cases the instructor may be on the boat depending on the vessel used.

The other two sessions take place on land using the sailing club’s facilities. If your school has radio-controlled yachts, this is a great opportunity to use them at the pond near the club, potentially alongside additional boats provided by the club. The third session is an on-land STEM activity, using prepared worksheets (with answer keys) and facilitated by the lead teacher. Excursion worksheet booklets are to be supplied by the school, while the on-land STEM equipment will be supplied by the DSC.