The sabot boat is a great little boat to learn the basics of sailing and for this reason Lane Cove Club has a developed a wonderful summer program for kids.  Both parents and kids are supported to learn the basics from rigging to controlling the boats on the water.  There are several Learn To Sail Courses for “first time on the water” kids or for kids wanting to get stronger in the boat.  All juniors and parents from Learn To Sail are encourage to join the Learn to Race on Friday evenings in front of the Club House. This is a lovely way for kids to have some fun manoeuvring their sabots around the flags.   

During the sailing season, each Sunday the Club holds races for the sabots of all skills (September – April).  During these races there is lots of support for the junior sailors – volunteer parents to help move boats and rig up, gentle instruction and support boats out on the water following the kids around the river. There are small prizes for winners of each class on the day and a Presentation Night at the end of the season.  In the 2019-20 season we had 30 juniors who participated with the club.   

Our sabot fleet is a mix of kids from 8 - 14 years old and boys and girls with no sailing skills to a few years of sailing under their belt.  For first time sailors, they sail with a friend or buddy and are taught by instructors with over 30 years’ experience teaching, the instructors are joined by a group of older kids (14 – 20 years) who were part of the sabots at the club when they were younger.  Everyone at the Club is supportive and encouraging of kids learning to love the fun of sailing! The sabots are our grass roots and at the heart of the kids program at Lane Cove. 

We have 4 safety support RIBs on the water supervising and coaching the sailors as they make their way around the course. The volunteer parents are sailors themselves who are providing wisdom and passing on their passion of sailing to the next generation. 

LC12ftSC Sabot division will run a race every Sunday during the season.  As the kids develop there is also the opportunity to attend away regattas including the Zone, State and National Championships. Extra training is also available for those who choose to put in some extra time on the water.

We have had great success stories come from Lane Cove including the sabot 2019-20 National 1-Up and 2-Up Champions, National and State Champions in various classes, Round the World  record holders, Olympians and Sydney to Hobart veterans.  Whether you are experienced or just starting out the Lane Cove River provides the perfect mix of courses to suit all sailors.

Our Learn to Sail and Learn to Race course is run by Jack Winning veteran sailor and life member of the club along with three times Olympic sailor Karyn Gojnich who helps and develops the Learn to Sail program. Both Karyn and Jack have been sailing and associated with the club since they were children. 

Lane Cove is a very social club and each Sunday after the race the results are announced by the Commodore. Vouchers are given out to the kids on the day if they were lucky enough to win that race. Nothing is nicer than sitting on the upstairs deck taking in the surrounds of the river and chatting in this very family friendly atmosphere. Other social events include the five club dinners where each different class has the challenge of out doing the rest with their culinary genius, and don’t forget the Juniors Sleepover camp. 

Come and join us at the club, everyone is welcome. Please contact Brian Cullinane 0417 106 665 or email sabots@lc12ftssc.org.au for further information.