‘Where champions begin’

The Mudlark is a small, single-handed boat used extensively as an entry level training boat for aspiring children wishing to learn to sail. The typical age of children starting out in this class is from 7 to 12 years of age. Although the boat is quite simple, with the right training, the children can soon accomplish a skill level which allows them to skipper the boat and draw a significant amount of fun, enjoyment and, importantly, a sense of achievement. This class provides a significant number of skippers who move into the bigger and faster classes of sailing boats

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Materials: Plywood, fibreglass or combination

Dimensions: Beam -1metre Length- 2.1 metres Weight- 20kg

Sails: one

Single handed for ages 7-12 years old

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The mudlarks is the most junior of the clubs classes raced at Perth Dinghy Sailing Club. (PDSC) It is a small training craft constructed from either plywood, fibreglass or a combination. Its compact size 2.1metres in length and 1 metre in width and an optimum weight of 20 kg allows easy handling and transportation on a car roof rack or in the rear of a station wagon. Mudlarks are simple to rig. The single sail is easy to manage and boys and girls as young as seven sail the mudlarks at several river clubs, Mandurah and Bunbury.

The club conducts training sessions every Saturday morning followed by races for the mudlarks throughout the sailing season, which runs from mid October until April. Training sessions are structured in accordance with Yachting Australia’s guidelines, with children having an opportunity to complete their GISB level 1.

The training sessions involve on and off the water coaching. This coaching is undertaken by a variety of qualified and very experienced members, ably assisted by mums and dads.

There are at present up to 20 children in the Mudlark training fleet. The children are split into two or three groups depending on numbers. The beginners who are taught the fundamentals of sailing in the shallow water in front of the clubhouse, silver fleet (intermediates) who are introduced to racing techniques such as mark rounding, and the gold fleet consisting of those who have been competing in races for a while. The silver and gold fleet’s training is conducted under the supervision of several rescue craft.

The club has six Club Mudlarks for the use of new members who are first time sailors. These are used on first in best dressed scenario however if there are more beginners than boats the boats must be shared. The club encourages children to purchase their own boats after a period of time so that the club boats can be freed up for other new sailors.

The availability of second hand mudlarks will vary with time, but generally range from $400 to $1000 fully rigged. The association has plans available for those wishing to build their own.

Mudlark sailors can participate in invitational events which are hosted by the various clubs around the river and Bunbury. Each Easter the Mudlark Association in conjunction with one of the clubs host the state titles.

Mudlark sailors are often in demand as forehands in the Heron or Signet Classes. By the time a child reaches twelve they are usually ready to move into either a Jay Dee or an Open Bic the other designated junior classes at the club.

The club is run on a voluntary basis which means it welcomes parent involvement in activities such as launching rescue boats, serving in the shop (galley) or assistance in the water with the beginners.

Refer to membership tab for details on fees. At least one parent needs to be an associate member for a junior to join.

Apr 29: Mudlark State Titles report

Tight Racing in Mudlark Easter State Championships

A perfect Easter long weekend with fantastic sailing weather saw the Mudlark State Championships hosted at Mounts Bay Sailing Club.

Spectators enjoyed some fantastic close racing with exciting scores to match. A total of only 2 points separated the top 3 sailors in the gold fleet.  . . . → Read More: Apr 29: Mudlark State Titles report

Dec 12: Junior Picnic

Our junior fleet celebrated the end of year with a picnic in Crawley Bay. A fleet of about 30 boats enjoyed a leisurely sail from the PDSC to the picnic location in Crawley Bay. Light winds provided perfect picnic and swimming conditions with the Sea Breeze arriving just in time for the return sail . . . → Read More: Dec 12: Junior Picnic