Logo of SANC, featuring a stylized desert with colorful lines and the tagline 'Setting a New Course'.

Setting A New Course is a South Australian-based not-for-profit sailing organisation dedicated to supporting current and former members of the Defence Force and first responders. Through sailing and the maritime community, we provide opportunities to reconnect, build resilience, and rediscover a sense of purpose beyond service.

Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can experience the therapeutic benefits of the ocean, develop new skills, and form lasting connections with others who share similar experiences. By bringing people together on the water, Setting A New Course aims to promote wellbeing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of direction for those who have served our communities.

Learn more
Group of five crew sailing on a boat, smiling, wearing life jackets and sunglasses, with a body of water and cloudy sky in the background.

Meet the Team

  • Close-up of a smiling man wearing sunglasses and a black cap with a skull and crossbones design, sitting on a boat with others.

    Adam Priestley

    SANC Program Manager

  • A man smiling and wearing sunglasses, gloves, and a backpack, sitting on a boat with water in the background, giving a shaka sign.

    Tony Mansfield

    SANC Volunteer Coordinator

  • A man smiling on a boat, wearing sunglasses, a black cap, and a green life jacket, with water in the background.

    Mitch von Grieken

    SANC Volunteer Coordinator

  • A man wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a navy shirt, smiling on a boat.

    Keith Dalby

    SANC Volunteer Coordinator

  • Two people sailing a small white sailboat on a calm blue sea, with a clear sky and distant shoreline with trees.

    Anthony Pennington

    SANC Volunteer Skipper

  • Two people sailing a small white sailboat on the ocean with a clear blue sky and distant shoreline with trees and buildings.

    Mark Hutton

    SANC Volunteer Skipper

  • A person sailing a small white sailboat on the ocean during daytime with a treeline in the background.

    Darren

    SANC Volunter Skipper

  • Three rescue team members in a small orange boat speeding across the water, wearing helmets and yellow uniforms with RNLi markings.

    Michael

    SANC Support Boat Operator

Upcoming Events

  • Sailing Adelaide

    SANC Fortnight Friday Sailing Session

    Every friday fortnight, 14:30-16:30PM

    Join us for a relaxed afternoon sail every second Friday. Open to all experience levels, it’s a great chance to get out on the water, connect with others, and enjoy the harbour—returning in time for happy hour at the Admiral’s Bar.

    Register Here
  • A volunteer wearing a pink, green, and purple shirt and a red cap, holding a camera or phone, at an event with other people in the background.

    Register as a SANC Volunteer

    Want to support Setting A New Course? Volunteers play a vital role in helping us run sailing days, support participants, and keep the organisation moving forward. Whether on the water or behind the scenes, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

    Contact Us
  • A group of people sailing on a catamaran with white sails on a calm ocean with a partly cloudy sky in the background.

    Defence Industry Cup or Hobart Cup

    - Hobart Cup (October 2026 ) / Defence Industry Cup (March 2027)

    The Defence Industry Cup and the Hobart Cup are our annual sailing events, bringing together people from across the defence and industry community. Both events provide a great opportunity to get out on the water, build connections, and enjoy a day of competitive yet social sailing.

    Express Interest
People standing on a marina dock next to a white sailboat with a black mast, other sailboats and pine trees in the background, under a clear blue sky.
A sailboat with a large white spinnaker sail and three crew members sailing on the water under a partly cloudy sky.
Two smiling men with sunglasses and life jackets on a sailboat, sailing on a clear day with a distant shoreline in the background.
A sailboat with four people on board sailing on the water under a clear blue sky.
A man sitting on a sailboat, wearing sunglasses, a beige cap, a black Life vest with yellow text, and shorts, looking at the water with a sailboat in the background on a clear, sunny day.
Four people sitting and smiling on a sailboat under a blue sky with white clouds, with a yacht sailing in the background.

Our Sponsors

Logo of the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia featuring a stylized blue and white yacht sail and text below reading "Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia."
SAAB Australia logo featuring a circular emblem with a lion and crown, alongside the text 'SAAB AUSTRALIA'
Buddy Up Australia logo with a stylized wing icon in teal and bold black text.
The logo of the Returned & Services League South Australia featuring a badge with four soldiers and a crown, and the text RSL South Australia.

FAQs

 

Do I need sailing experience?

No. All experience levels are welcome, including complete beginners. Our activities are designed so anyone can participate and enjoy being on the water.

Is this a pathway into more sailing?

Absolutely. If you enjoy your time on the water and would like to explore sailing further, speak to one of the Setting A New Course organisers. We can help connect you with other sailing opportunities and clubs.

Do I need special equipment?

No specialised equipment is required. We provide all necessary safety equipment. We do recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable while out on the water.

No specialised

I’d like to learn how to skipper a boat. Is that possible?

Yes. If you’re interested in developing your sailing skills and learning how to skipper, speak to the SANC team. We can guide you on the training pathways and experience needed to progress.

How much does it cost?

Participation is completely free. As a not-for-profit organisation, our goal is to make sailing accessible to current and former Defence members and first responders.

I’m not into sailing, but I’d still like to help. Can I get involved?

Definitely. There are many ways to support the club that don’t involve sailing, including event support, administration, and helping run activities. Just speak with one of our team to learn how you can contribute.

Contact Us

Interested in getting involved with Setting A New Course? Whether you’d like to join a sailing day, volunteer, support the organisation, or simply learn more about what we do, we’d love to hear from you.

Fill out the form below and a member of our team will get in touch shortly. We look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to our community.