Australian Sailing has officially launched SailLAB, a free STEM education programme designed to integrate the science and innovation of sailing into Australian classrooms. Supported by the Western Australian Government’s Strategic Initiatives Grant commemorating the 40th anniversary of Australia II’s America’s Cup victory, SailLAB was created by educators and aligns with the Australian Curriculum. It was successfully piloted in nine Western Australian schools, engaging over 400 students from Years 5-12.
SailLAB includes:
- Six Primary Modules and ten Secondary Modules, encompassing topics such as wind, forces, design engineering, oceanography, and meteorology.
- Student workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, teacher guides, assessments, and completion certificates.
- Challenges based on the STEM Learning Cycle, encouraging students to question, imagine, plan, create, test, improve, re-test, and analyse.
- Inspiring videos featuring Australian Olympic and America’s Cup athletes.
- A major America’s Cup-themed design challenge.
- Connections to real-world STEM and marine-industry careers.
An additional ten modules are currently in development, covering ropework, materials science, navigation, sustainability, and innovative technology highlighted through SailGP.
To enhance classroom learning, SailLAB Experience Days will be hosted by local sailing clubs, providing students with practical sailing and STEM activities, which may take place on the water or through radio-controlled boats in pools, lakes, or community facilities.
Interest for the 2026 programme is robust, with over 40 schools registered nationwide, representing more than 2,000 students. The initiative is proving particularly beneficial for regional schools seeking accessible and impactful STEM options.
SailLAB is available at no cost for all schools, with teachers able to access supplementary resources by submitting an Expression of Interest.
Visit the SailLAB page on our website for further details on the programme or to complete an Expression of Interest for your school today.
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