Juniors report
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:29 pm
Dear All
This Sunday saw the junior section taking to the basin for the first time. Four dinghies took to the water; 2 comets, a mirror and an enterprise. The weather was almost ideal with very gentle winds and clear blue skies. The kids rigged the boats with some help from the adults and revision of knots. The boats were launched down the canal slip at the marina. Ivan took charge of the exercises which included building on from the previous session to include running and gybing. Brian Roberts turned up to see what the section was up to and was co-opted as an extra pair of eyes on shore. More interest was shown by several shoreside observers. The kids all did really well, with Alec Elleray overcoming nervousness following a capsize on last his last time out with his uncle Chris in the lakes. David Sharples did exceptionally well going solo in Annes' comet.
The transfer of boats to the marina went much more smoothly than I expected and the sailing itself better than I'd expected. At the debrief there were grins all round and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Many thanks to all those who helped including Michael Swarbrick and those who donated the use of their dinghies/trailers. An especial thanks to Richard at the Marina who came into work early to help us.
The next session is planned for the 7th July when we hope to get more of the youngsters going unaccompanied. We may also do capsizing for some of the kids!!
As the interest seems to be picking up, please let me know if you intend to come to the sessions when I email out the week before, as we need to organise not only the sailing dinghies but also the safety boat numbers (1:4 ratio). If you just turn up you may not be able to sail, even if you have your own boat.
A further session aimed at the younger junior families as well -an accompanied picnic perhaps? will be planned for later in the summer, please let me know if you're interested.
Alison
This Sunday saw the junior section taking to the basin for the first time. Four dinghies took to the water; 2 comets, a mirror and an enterprise. The weather was almost ideal with very gentle winds and clear blue skies. The kids rigged the boats with some help from the adults and revision of knots. The boats were launched down the canal slip at the marina. Ivan took charge of the exercises which included building on from the previous session to include running and gybing. Brian Roberts turned up to see what the section was up to and was co-opted as an extra pair of eyes on shore. More interest was shown by several shoreside observers. The kids all did really well, with Alec Elleray overcoming nervousness following a capsize on last his last time out with his uncle Chris in the lakes. David Sharples did exceptionally well going solo in Annes' comet.
The transfer of boats to the marina went much more smoothly than I expected and the sailing itself better than I'd expected. At the debrief there were grins all round and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Many thanks to all those who helped including Michael Swarbrick and those who donated the use of their dinghies/trailers. An especial thanks to Richard at the Marina who came into work early to help us.
The next session is planned for the 7th July when we hope to get more of the youngsters going unaccompanied. We may also do capsizing for some of the kids!!
As the interest seems to be picking up, please let me know if you intend to come to the sessions when I email out the week before, as we need to organise not only the sailing dinghies but also the safety boat numbers (1:4 ratio). If you just turn up you may not be able to sail, even if you have your own boat.
A further session aimed at the younger junior families as well -an accompanied picnic perhaps? will be planned for later in the summer, please let me know if you're interested.
Alison