A community run club for a lifelong family friendly experience, growing sailors of all ages from novice to experienced racer.

At Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club (NLSC), our vision is simple yet powerful:
To be a community-run sailing club that offers a lifelong, family-friendly experience—growing sailors of all ages from novices to experienced racers.

Our 2025 Strategic Review reaffirms this commitment and sets out a clear roadmap to grow our impact, improve our offerings, and ensure we remain one of Sydney’s most inclusive, accessible, and community-focused sailing clubs.

Our Purpose

NLSC exists to foster a love of sailing that spans generations. We pride ourselves on being a place where everyone—regardless of age, background or experience—can feel welcome, safe, and empowered to enjoy the sport.

Our Four Pillars

1. Community

Community is the heartbeat of NLSC. We’re proud to be run entirely by volunteers, and our club reflects the rich diversity of the Northern Beaches.

• We welcome families of all shapes and sizes—with no prior sailing experience needed.

• It's not uncommon to see a grandparent and grandchild racing as a team or two teenagers learning the ropes together.

• We host regular social events, community fundraisers, seminars, and inclusive sailing days—helping us stay connected on and off the water.

• Our volunteers gain more than they give: friendships, skills, purpose, and the joy of making a difference.

• We support new members with guides, videos and mentoring, ensuring a smooth and welcoming onboarding.

2. Participation

We make sailing fun, accessible and affordable.

• Kids programs: With a structured Learn to Sail syllabus inspired by Australian Sailing, children as young as 7 can safely explore sailing. Our intermediary and development squads provide pathways for progression—all without the need for immediate boat ownership.

• Adult sailing: Adults are encouraged to learn, race, and grow through Sunday racing, clinics, and use of club boats. We also participate in the Australian Sailing SailPASS and Discover Sailing Day programs.

• Safety first: Narrabeen Lagoon’s protected waters—free from tides, waves and motorboats—make it the safest place in Sydney for children to learn to sail.

3. Coaching

We don’t just teach sailing—we develop confident, capable sailors and leaders.

• All programs are led by Australian Sailing-accredited instructors (many under 25).

• Our coaching approach is personal and progressive, tailored to each sailor's journey from novice to competitor.

• We support our members’ development through first aid, instructor and powerboat handling courses.

• Our coaching team actively races, mentors, and supports our club’s presence at regattas across NSW.

4. Fleet for Purpose

We maintain a carefully selected fleet that grows with our sailors.

• For kids: We provide a progression from Optis to Sabots and Open Skiffs, including two-person sailing opportunities.

• For youth and adults: We promote Herons (ideal for families), Lasers (versatile solo boats), and Windsurfer OneDesigns (perfect for lake conditions).

• Many of our club boats are available to lease or hire, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation.

• We also support boat storage for members transitioning to ownership.

Safety, Sustainability & Values

• Safety is non-negotiable: We continually review risks, improve processes, and support both physical and mental wellbeing.

• Environmental stewardship: We promote eco-awareness through our programs and work closely with the Northern Beaches Council to protect Jamieson Park.

• Financial integrity: We are a not-for-profit club. Our coaching staff receive limited income, with all additional funding going back into the club’s operations and equipment.

Our Strategic Goals by 2030

• Grow to 200 members with balanced gender participation.

• Continue to offer one of the most affordable sailing experience on the North Shore.

• Maintain our reputation as one of the safest places to learn to sail in Sydney.

• Champion family-friendly sailing and meaningfully participate in Heron Championships across Australia.

• Develop future sailing leaders through our youth coaching pipeline.

• Expand our community presence through regattas, fundraisers, and partnerships.

At NLSC, sailing is more than a sport—it’s a community, a passion and a lifelong adventure.
If you’re looking for a safe, supportive and spirited club where sailors of all ages can thrive, we invite you to be part of our journey.