Club commodore Hugh Parker was buoyed by the turnout as part of Yachting Victoria's "discover sailing" day.

Parker said the novice sailors took to a catamaran, open yacht, keel boat and access dinghies to learn new skills on the water.

"This is the first time we've done it for quite a few years, that we've had an open day," he said.

"We were quite pleased. Overall there were 50 or 60 children and adults down here over the day, it was good.

"I don't know what sort of membership we'll get from it, that's a matter of waiting and seeing.

"Any that did enjoy themselves and want to continue they'd be more than welcome to come down on a regular basis on a Saturday."

Parker said Australia's success in sailing at the 2012 London Olympics had generated interest in the sport but had not translated to a rise in participation.

"For regular yachties there has been quite a bit of talk, it was an excellent success really," he said. "Yachting Victoria has tried to capitalise on those results and encourage more people to take up sailing. It showed it is an exciting sport and people of all ages can take it up."

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au