Youngsters start sailing at Upper Thames Sailing Club
Undeterred by some very wet weather, 14 youngsters started and advanced their sailing during an RYA youth training course at Upper Thames Sailing Club (UTSC) on 24-27 August.
The course saw 10 of the group,
some sailing for the first time, achieve RYA stage 2, which puts them well on
their way to being confident dinghy sailors, able to join in Saturday fun
sailing at the club. Of the more experienced sailors two progressed to stage 3,
which classes them as sailors, not beginners and ready for club racing, and two
to stage 4, the entry point for advanced sailing courses.
RYA senior instructor Mark Gould
lead the course and helping out were RYA dinghy instructors Gus Dixon and Mick
Haigh. Hallum Kirlew (13) also helped, part of his own training for his RYA
assistant instructor and powerboat qualifications when he turns 14.
Mark said of the course: "Despite the mixed weather
we've had a great time. The river Thames at Bourne End is a
brilliant place for young people to learn to sail; it's safe but also
challenging. The young people this week have done exceptionally well and
now have the skills to handle sailing racing dinghies themselves and
have some fun."
Club commodore Alan Markham added:
“This was the third junior
training event at UTSC this summer, following a youth and adult training week
in July and a youth squad race camp in August; the increase in demand bodes
well for junior sailing at the club. I am sure that some of our sailors
will be progressing to the Zone Championships and beyond.”
UTSC has long been an RYA approved
training centre, and over recent years has progressed to become and RYA
Champion Club and OnBoard centre, alongside investing heavily in a new river
frontage, club boats, and improved facilities including new changing rooms. To
support training a number of members have gained their RYA instructor and powerboat
qualifications.
For more about UTSC visit UTSC
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