2026 VIODA Winter Lake Coaching – Opens for Registration!

Block 1 VIODA Winter Lake Coaching

When winter hits, we keep sailing!

The VIODA Winter Lake Coaching Program is open to all registered members and remains one of the highlights of the Optimist calendar in Victoria. Each week, sailors come together at Albert Park lake to sharpen their skills, tackle challenging conditions on the water, and, just as importantly, connect, have fun, and build friendships that last well beyond the season.

This sign-up is for Block 1 only, comprising four Sundays of coaching at Albert Park Lake.

New to Green Fleet?

First-time Green Fleet sailors are eligible for an introductory rate, applied via discount code. Please contact viodacommittee@gmail.com to obtain your code prior to registering. Green Fleet sign-up must have completed Tackers 3 or currently sailing in Tackers Squad.

Block 1 includes 4 Sundays of coaching at Albert Park Lake, including The Dathi Cup.

A highlight of Block 1 is the annual Dathi Cup – VIODA Optimist Teams Racing Championship, a favourite event for Intermediate and Open Fleet sailors and a great opportunity to experience team-based racing in a fun, competitive environment.

Block 1 Sailing Dates & Schedule

Sunday, 17 May
Sunday, 24 May (VIODA Teams Racing Championship – Dathi Cup - Full Day for Intermediate and Open Sailors)
Sunday, 31 May
Sunday, 14 June

Arrive at 12:30pm
Rig & Ready 1.00pm
Back on land 4.00pm
Go home 4:30pm

Registration Fees & Options – Block 1

There there are two registration options for Block 1:

• $200 – Coaching (no storage)
• $225 – Coaching + Boat Storage

New Green Fleet sailors receive introductory pricing ($150 / $175 including storage) once the discount code is applied at registration.

Please select your preferred storage option when registering.

Spots are limited and registration will close once capacity is reached. We will do our best to open additional places, however if the block fills, please email us to join the waitlist.

All payments are non-refundable, as coaches and associated programme costs are committed in advance.

FAQs – We’ve Got You Covered!

(A) When can we drop our boats off?
We will send out a notification with boat drop-off times, expected to be on the Saturday before the program starts.

(B) What if I selected the wrong fleet or my sailor needs to switch fleets?
Our VIODA coaches assess sailors throughout training, across a range of conditions, and will recommend any changes where appropriate.

(C) Do parents need to stay during training?
Yes, parents should remain nearby to assist with trolleys, rigging and pack down. Sailors must be ready to meet coaches at 1:00pm sharp.

(D) Are there any long-term parking options?
Further details regarding parking permits will be shared separately.

Let’s make this winter season on the lake our best yet. Stay warm, stay sharp, and we will see you on the water.

– The VIODA Team