A uniquely successful dinghy sailing program
SLM DINGHY
SAILING PROGRAMS
SLM has transformed the organisational design of mainstream dinghy programs—shifting from rigid, static structures to a dynamic, adaptive system shaped by local interactions and relationships. This paradigm replaces traditional command-and-control with frameworks that respond to the unpredictable realities of busy sailing programs, emphasising communication, shared meaning, and co-creation.
For clubs to reliably deliver services, change is essential. With mainstream programs suffering from endemic issues of viability and functionality, SLM offers a simple yet extraordinarily powerful solution.
An Adaptive Framework
SLM links families, supporters, and clubs with broader community aspirations, creating an active learning environment that delivers long-term value for children and their families. For clubs and associations, it offers a unique opportunity to build sustainable dinghy sailing programs that thrive over time.
Tools for Success
With its structure and resources, SLM enables stakeholders to:
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Adapt active learning to their local context
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Fill classes and grow small fleets
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Achieve higher levels of competency than traditional programs
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Scale participation efficiently to assure growth and financial surplus
Tangible Impact
When communities see the benefits of active learning in sailing, outcomes become real and lasting. Sailing—a sport uniquely suited to lifelong engagement—earns genuine commitment from sailors, coaches, families, and local supporters. SLM’s greatest achievement is its enduring impact across clubs of all sizes—regional, metropolitan, small, and large alike.
A True Game-Changer
SLM is a learning organisation:
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Adaptable to any club’s circumstances - anywhere
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Simpler to implement and easier to operate
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Larger program with financially viable deliverables compared to outdated command-and-control models
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Built on continuous improvement and accountability for learning, safety, growth, retention, and operating costs
Above all, SLM makes coaching and sailing more fulfilling—for everyone involved.
ABOUT
SLM
ABOUT
SLM
What Makes SLM Uniquely Successful
Structured Learning Methodology (SLM) is a transformative model for sailing development—unlike any traditional program. It replaces fragmented, top-down approaches with a self-organising, transparent, and collaborative system that promotes long-term sailor development and sustainable club growth.
Self-Organising Structure
SLM is grounded in self-organisation. Participants and supporters are clearly informed of a structured routine of activities. Everyone involved has the qualifications and information needed to operate safely and confidently within it.
Viability Through Long-Term Planning
With a coaching group and long-term plan in place, SLM shifts the focus from short-term fixes to building participation in self-funded learning and development, ensuring financial and operational sustainability.
Defined Roles Without Delegation
SLM eliminates reliance on top-down delegation. Instead, volunteers, instructors, and coaches operate within clearly defined roles, taking ownership and responsibility—leading to greater engagement and consistency.
Transparent Routine Drives Volunteer Growth
A shared, visible routine allows more people to understand and support the program. As transparency increases, the coaching group can self-organise operational tasks, reducing the need for heavy oversight and enabling broader volunteer involvement.
Interdependent Fleet Development
Small fleets form early in sailor development and are supported by interdependent volunteers and a coaches. This creates a culture of shared ownership, where sailors engage in a long-term curriculum as part of a supported system.
Team-Based Coaching Accountability
SLM builds a collaborative coaching group that shares tools and routines, tracks progress, and collectively supports small fleets. This model promotes reliability, consistency, and shared responsibility for success.
Long-Term Engagement Pathway
Sailors as young as eight are introduced to a clear, long-term pathway. Designed to reduce drop-out, SLM provides continuous support from entry-level through to adulthood, ensuring progression and retention.
Youth Leadership Pipeline
As sailors grow, they naturally step into instructor and coaching roles, creating internal continuity and reducing dependency on external hiring. This strengthens the club’s future by building leadership from within.
Non-Negotiable Success Factors
SLM’s effectiveness depends on fidelity to its self-organising principles. Interference—whether through over-administration or a return to top-down practices—undermines engagement, erodes responsibility, and ultimately leads to the collapse of developing fleets.
Why It Matters
SLM is not just different—it’s essential. It directly addresses the real challenges facing sailing clubs today. By offering a sustainable, scalable, and people-driven model, SLM builds stronger programs, empowered communities, and a healthier future for the sport.
NEXT STEPS
cornerstone to an Active Sailing Program, a busier club environment
SLM DINGHY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Proposal documentation adapted to club circumstance for management consideration.
Advice to implement SLM Dinghy Training & Development necessarily starting with a small coaching group who begin with children aged 8-10 and an SLM curriculum. The coaching group develop competent sailors progress in pools through junior, youth and adult stages.
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Advice is available to the coaching group to apply themselves to the operating system to generate support and long-term retention. Coaching group performance improves through three stages of development.
SLM ACTIVE SAILING PROGRAMS
As the SLM generates sailors and coaches, an opportunity will emerge to build and active off-the-beach sailing program
Guidance is available to organise volunteers and support the club who will not be prepared for such increased activity.
Program proposal documentation is complimentary. Fee for services is pre-paid annually or as required.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
The SLM system is an amazing tool for sailing programs looking to turn their sailors into lifelong members of the sport. The program uses time-tested ideas with modern learning organisation principles to ensure sailors, coaches and clubs all benefit.
With a clear structure, open communication and high enrolment of all members and volunteers in an SLM program, great results can and have been achieved.
Don has created a methodology that not only showcases his passion for the continual development of clubs and community, but also enhances coaching effectiveness, and steers members into being lifelong contributors into the sport."
Ryan Palk - Sail Change
"The SLM structure had a massive impact on my sailing career. When I moved to Perth I had no structure in my training and coming into a club that was run with this program accelerated my learning immensely and put me on the right pathway to reach my goals. Without it, my whole sailing experience would have been very different and I doubt I would have come as far as I have.
Luke Elliott Sailing
CONTACT
Don Elks
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
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