Tack, Gybe, Duck – Instructor Book

This book began as a handwritten notebook which has continued to serve as a valuable Dinghy Instructor resource at 7th Wave for almost two decades.

The aim was to create simple sessions plans that were easy to manage for instructors, enjoyable for students and hit specific learning points within the RYA syllabus.

These games have been developed at 7th Wave and repeated year after year: they are tried, tested and proven to develop highly skilled dinghy sailors. More importantly, they are fun and enable students to gain skills and confidence whilst making happy memories on the water.

As our first crew of young sailors grew, so did the pages of the book. When they qualified as instructors they took stewardship of the notebook, a reflection of their own childhood and growth over the years.

The original (and somewhat weatherbeaten) notebook is still in use today, and each season these sessions are enjoyed again and again. With much thanks to my dear friend, the late Chris Gregory for turning those handwritten notes and sketches into this book, so we can share it with current and future instructors.

What’s Inside Tack, Gybe, Duck? 

Instant Session Plans:. Get access to fully illustrated, structured session outlines, complete with clear aims, safety briefs, and effective debriefing strategies.

25+ Tried-and-Tested Games: Engage students with over two dozen high-impact Afloat and Ashore games—from the popular “Taz Rugby”, to the advanced “Bobstacle Race.” Every game is proven to solidify skills while keeping the fun factor high.

Teach Responsibly: Guidance on safety, group control, and mindful environmental practices. Includes crucial “Watch out for…” tips to pre-empt common problems that can arise during the sessions.