JUST off Williamstown’s shores, you’ll find an unlikely sailor mooring his boat.

Seven-year-old Zach Rizzoli may be young, but he’s ready to tackle the high seas.

He’ll join the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria’s Tackers sailing program, which runs from 20 to 24 September in Williamstown.

Gavin Wall runs the Tackers program, which is a learn to sail program aimed at primary school aged children, and will be run at the Williamstown club for the first time. The club has invested in 12 Ozi Optis, which are kid-centric sailing boats for the program.

“It’s like the sailing version of Auskick,” Mr Wall said.

“It’s all about having fun.”

There are three Tackers programs, which provide a chance to introduce tricks, techniques and basic racing skills.

Mr Wall said it was a sport that lent itself to all abilities.

“Both sexes can compete on equal terms and I find it’s good for a lot of children who don’t like physical contact,” he said.

“My son is a bit of an intellectual, he got into sailing and absolutely loved it.

“He said it was also good for people with disabilities or learning problems. It builds their self-confidence and helps them become team players.’’

Zach’s mother, Helen, said there was a sailing tradition in their family. “I have an older daughter, Phoebe, who’s nine, she has been doing lessons at the sailing club for two years,” she said.

“Zach’s been watching his sister having an absolute ball on the water. That is what has really inspired him to do it.”

She said her husband also began sailing when he was younger and encourages it.

“From a mother’s perspective, it teaches them self-reliance, because if you’re in a boat by yourself and the wind changes, you have to make a decision about what to do,” she said.

“Watching my daughter gain the confidence that comes form being in those situations and come out, is amazing,” she said.

“It’s a sport that’s not just about exercise, it’s about exercise of the brain too.”

For details contact Royal Yacht Club of Victoria's sail training and development manager Gavin Wall on 9397 1277 or email training@rycv.asn.au.