Dale Brothers to tackle national sailing championship

Brothers James and Josh Dale are hooked on sailing and think it's the coolest sport in the world.

At the end of January this year James, 9 and Josh, 7, completed their 'Tackers' learn to sail pathway with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Both boys would rather spend every minute of the day sailing than at school and live for the weekend when they can head out to the water.

Later this year the brothers are competing in their first national championships to be held in Melbourne where more than 300 sailors from across Australia and overseas will battle it out in Port Philip Bay, Victoria.

It's not only the competition that sailing gives them that drives the enthusiastic and energetic Dale brothers.

"Being in control of my boat and riding the waves when it's windy gives me the biggest grin," said James.

Josh certainly prefers the social aspect of sailing.

"I love sailing because it is out on the water and you get to spend lots of time having fun and racing with your friends," he said.

Their mother Charlotte loves that sailing keeps the boys fit and encourages an active lifestyle that can be enjoyed by the whole family as well as making friends of all ages.

James thinks that other kids should definitely try Tackers because it is so much fun and gives them the basic knowledge to then be able to learn to race.

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"The instructors are really nice and patient," he said.

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron introduces more than 600 children and their families to sailing each year through the Tackers learn to sail program.

Tackers is a nationally recognised fun introductory, games-based sailing program designed for kids aged seven to 12 years and held at the squadron's base in Manly Harbour.

Kids participating don't need to have any sailing experience or club membership to join in the fun.

All the equipment, including the boats, is provided.

For more information and to book in visit the website: www.rqys.com.au/sailing-academy/kids-courses/tackers/.