The 2024 Training in Focus – LIVE event series has successfully concluded for another year, providing Instructors and Discover Sailing Centre Principals with insights and practical tools to enhance course delivery.
The morning sessions, facilitated by Andrew O’Loughlin, challenged participants to think about their approach to delivering quality participant experiences. Andrew, a leading expert in creating engaging event experiences and improving customer journeys, used some fun role play scenarios to highlight both good and bad instructor practices. His emphasis on the small details—such as greetings and atmosphere—demonstrated how these factors can significantly impact participant retention and satisfaction.
The afternoon sessions moved the focus to hands-on, on-water skills. Australian Sailing’s Chief and Deputy Chief Instructors, supported by local Senior Instructors, led practical sessions tailored to each state’s conditions on the day. In Queensland, the instructors tried a variety of activities, while in South Australia, despite the challenging weather, the focus was on refining safety-boat techniques and looking at dinghy entrapment scenarios. In the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania it was a similar story, with instructors taking to the water in keelboats, dinghies, boards, and powerboats to work on their practical delivery of these programs.
Looking ahead, to 2025, the Training in Focus – LIVE series will introduce webinars to enhance practical skills and provide flexible social learning opportunities, while face-to-face events will shift to a biennial schedule.
Australian Sailing say they are excited to continue supporting the development of instructors and Discover Sailing Centre Principals. Stay tuned for more details on next year’s events—your participation in relevant development opportunities to your role, is vital for maintaining high standards and ensuring the best possible experience for participants at your centres and within our sport!
