GBC offers sailors at all levels the ability to learn and develop a passion for sailing that will see them enjoying this sport throughout their life. Some will go on to follow a competitive course while many others will be content to enjoy the social environment of yacht club life and sailing in all its forms.
For beginners, sailors need to complete "Learn to Sail" followed by "Upskillers" before they are ready for competition.

The Optimist Green Fleet is the first competitive division that our young sailors encounter and the NZIODA rules allow for on-the-water coaching at this level. Through this the sailors are able to gain the basics of fleet racing while under the tuition of our experienced coaches as well as the watchful eye of their parents and other club members. This same format is now used in many Optimist regattas and our Green Fleet sailors are encouraged to compete at such events.

Once competent at Green Fleet level our sailors are encouraged to move into the Open Fleet Division where they will compete against some of our more experienced Optimist sailors. The majority of our Open Fleet Division sailors compete at inter club and national level.

All our competitive Optimist sailors in both Green Fleet and Open Fleet Division are encouraged to take part in a mid-week coaching programme that runs throughout the season. Through this programme the sailors learn to develop their boat handling, boat tuning and tactical skills. The fleets are also encouraged and supported by the club to attend the numerous regattas throughout the season such as the Sir Peter Blake Regatta and Optimist Nationals.