SLM ACTIVE
SAILING CLUBS

OUR STORY

SLM began a successful trial in 2002 to reverse the long-term membership decline that was endemic at sailing clubs. A general malaise was preventing sailors from properly enjoying the sport in Australia and around the world was exposed when a small micro-club with few resources and no financial support outperformed cross town rivals. SLM success story went on to support successful programs around Australia. 

By adapting to the methodology sailors and coaches enjoyed a broader and deeper version of sailing program development over a longer time frame while clubs gained long-term memberships. Programs that operated at micro, large marina in regional and city centres around Australia benefited unaffected by geography or circumstance. Programs demonstrated functionality with shoe-string or big budgets, at small and large clubs alike. All clubs reported significant improvements in retention by historical levels, demonstrably similar gains in the standards of sailing. 

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Well known participants proudly write about their coaching and sailing journeys in pages below, about their programs, world and Olympic champions, national and Olympic coaches. When a sailing community unlocks potential, we generate satisfaction, enjoyment and pride in our sport, a sustainable future for our clubs. We can't see SLM but that is what it does.

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The problem for long-term retention that began with one design dinghies 40+ years ago has confounded sailing. Simple mapping can demonstrate a mindboggling problem that differs from other sports. Being too complex for normal planning and control, the problem becomes too much for a coach or club administration. Counterintuitively ideas borrowed from industry and other sports are unsuitable, causing people to flow out of the sport rather than in. Consequently, all the experience and coaching effort in the world is inefficient and being wasted, well-resourced programs are squandered, hopes and dreams are dashed. Despite that sailing is duty bound to continue trying.

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The SLM solution is in its state-of-the-art behavioural science methodology that automates benefits to all stakeholders while coaches and sailors continuously improve over ten-year time frame. The program uses learning and a unique broad-based/long-term curriculum adaptable to all classes of dinghy sailing. The curriculum is compliant with and stretches well beyond mainstream. Coaches and supporters who support a 5year growth forecast, have the tools to be accountable. The program assures Club and community relations with the potential for corporate and government sponsors. Every stakeholder is a winner, the program functions without administration, it competes on quality, marginal cost, growth and retention.

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Planning is not required, organisers merely adjust routine with commonly available resources. The choice between success and disappointment is a small change to coaching practice.