Whitworths Youth Sailing & Tackers

Whitworths has proudly played a significant role in promoting junior sailing, Whitworths has donated hundreds of Optimist dinghies in support of the Australian Sailing Tackers Program; helping to get thousands of young sailors out on the water around Australia. 

 

The Optimist class plays a key role in the development of young sailors, for many it is the starting point in a lifelong career of sailing and a love of being on the water. In turn, the number of young kids sailing is a major influence on the health of sailing as a sport, the local clubs and the industry for the next generation.

WHITWORTHS YOUTH SAILING & TACKERS

Whitworths has proudly played a significant role in promoting junior sailing by donating hundreds of Optimist dinghies to support the Australian Sailing Tackers Program. This initiative has helped thousands of young sailors get out on the water across Australia.

The Optimist class is crucial in developing young sailors, often serving as the starting point for a lifelong passion for sailing and being on the water. The number of young kids sailing significantly impacts the health of sailing as a sport, benefiting local clubs and the industry for future generations.


Whitworths Tackers Program (Starting in 2009):
In 2009, Whitworths became the major sponsor for the "Whitworths Mobile Tackers" program, managed by Yachting Victoria and the Boatshed at Albert Park Lake. This five-year program provided 75 Optimist dinghies for primary school sail training. The boats, designed for easy transport, allowed schools throughout Victoria to access sailing training, significantly expanding the reach and impact of the program. From the success of the Mobile Tackers, Whitworths joined with Australian Sailing Tackers to throughout Australia, getting thousands of young sailors out on the water. Through these initiatives, Whitworths has made substantial contributions to encouraging grassroots sailing. By providing resources, training, and support, they have helped cultivate a new generation of sailors, ensuring the sport's growth and sustainability at the community level. 

 

WHITWORTHS TACKERS PROGRAM (STARTING IN 2009):

In 2009, Whitworths became the major sponsor for the “Whitworths Mobile Tackers” program, managed by Yachting Victoria and the Boatshed at Albert Park Lake. This five-year program provided 75 Optimist dinghies for primary school sail training. Designed for easy transport, these boats allowed schools throughout Victoria to access sailing training, significantly expanding the program’s reach and impact.

Building on the success of the Mobile Tackers, Whitworths partnered with Australian Sailing Tackers to extend the program nationwide, getting thousands of young sailors out on the water. Through these initiatives, Whitworths has made substantial contributions to encouraging grassroots sailing. By providing resources, training, and support, they have helped cultivate a new generation of sailors, ensuring the sport’s growth and sustainability at the community level.


PITTWATER JUNIOR FLEET (PJ Fleet) SPONSORSHIP (2004):

Whitworths was the major sponsor of the PJ fleet on Pittwater, which was aimed at promoting junior sailing. Young sailors were taught the basics of sailing, providing them with the skills and confidence to participate in the sport. This initiative was crucial in fostering an early interest in sailing among children. 

 

 

ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB LAUNCH (2003):

The Pittwater Junior fleet was officially launched at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Sydney in 2003, further emphasizing Whitworths' commitment to youth sailing.

 

 

NEWPORT PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAM (2002):

In 2002, Whitworths became the major sponsor for a program initiated by Simon Grosser and parents at Newport Primary School near Pittwater. The program utilized twenty Pittwater Juniors as training dinghies for Newport and other local primary schools. The success of this initiative led to the formation of the Newport Foundation, which continues to support youth sailing programs in primary schools.