Lessons – Inclusive Learning

Include Eric’s Level One summary here?

VARK describes four common ways sailors take in information:

• V – Visual
• A – Auditory
• R – Reading/Writing
• K – Kinesthetic

Most junior sailors aren’t just one of these—but in the moment, one style often clicks faster. The trick isn’t labeling sailors; it’s teaching every skill in more than one way so everyone stays engaged and improves faster.

What VARK looks like on the dock and on the water

👀 Visual learners – 

“Show me”

These sailors learn best by seeing.

In sailing, they respond well to:

• Chalk talks with simple diagrams
• Coach boat demonstrations
• Watching another sailor tack or gybe correctly
• Hand signals and visual cues

Example

“Watch my tiller and my shoulders during this tack.”

Coaching tip

• Use big, clear gestures
• Keep diagrams simple and bold
• Position yourself so sailors can actually see you

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👂 Auditory learners – 

“Tell me”

These sailors learn best by hearing explanations.

In sailing, they respond well to:

• Clear verbal instructions
• Call-and-response cues (“Ready about?” → “Ready!”)
• Rhythm and timing phrases

Example

“Look up, push, cross, switch.”

Coaching tip

• Be consistent with language
• Repeat key phrases every practice
• Don’t over-talk—short, confident cues work best

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📖 Reading/Writing learners – 

“Let me think it through”

These sailors learn best by words and structure.

In sailing, they respond well to:

• Written pre-practice material
• Checklists (“5 steps to a clean tack”)
• Short reflection questions after sailing

Example

“Write down one thing that made your tacks smoother today.”

Coaching tip

• Use this style before or after practice, not mid-sail
• Parents love this style—it builds confidence and clarity

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🏃 Kinesthetic learners – 

“Let me do it”

This is the dominant style for most junior sailors.

In sailing, they respond best to:

• Repetition
• Games and challenges
• Learning by feeling balance, pressure, and movement

Example

“Try five tacks without talking—just feel the boat.”

Coaching tip

• Get them sailing as soon as possible
• Keep drills short and active
• Correct through guided reps, not long explanations

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Why VARK matters for junior sailing

For 11–17-year-olds:

• Attention spans are short
• Confidence grows through success
• Learning is emotional and physical, not academic

If you only talk, you lose half the group.

If you only demonstrate, some won’t connect the dots.

If you only let them sail, bad habits can sneak in.

Great coaching hits all four—fast.

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The “VARK loop” (use this every practice)

Here’s a simple pattern you can repeat for any skill (tacking, stopping, starts, mark roundings):

1. Visual – quick diagram or demo (30–60 seconds)
2. Auditory – one clear verbal cue
3. Reading/Writing – optional pre-practice or post-practice reflection
4. Kinesthetic – lots of reps with feedback

That’s it. No theory lecture required.

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Coach takeaway

• Don’t label sailors as “a VARK type”
• Teach every skill in at least two ways
• Assume most juniors are kinesthetic first
• Use visual + auditory to set up the learning in the sailor pre-practice lesson
• Use doing to lock it in in practice and, when safe, racing