Junior Sailing Session launch
Published 11:14 on 28 Oct 2025
First Junior Sailing Session Sat 18th October 2025
(Session 2 is planned for Sat 22nd Nov fyi)
Club Secretary Vicki Hall was there… There was an excellent turnout for the first junior sailing session, which got off to a prompt start in the warm clubhouse with everyone introducing themselves and sharing their sailing ability. Trevor (Holding), ran through how the sessions would be structured, with the all-important safety briefing, registration and session sign-in. The juniors all grabbed a key ring tag and wrote their names on it. This will be used when they go out onto the lake, they hang their tag on the peg board and take a numbered wrist band, so we know how many juniors are out on the water at all times. Graham gave an overview of the safety boat operation and then the group split up, with some going out for a sail and others newer to sailing learning how to rig an Optimist set-up inside the clubhouse. A special thanks to Maisie who gave a helping hand on the rigging and encouraged other juniors to get involved This also was an opportunity to learn what the parts of a boat are called, how to do basic rigging and the concept of steering and tacking.
A great afternoon was had by all, and it was nice to see the lake bustling with activity with some juniors out sailing, the latest RYA course out on the Toppers and a few members social sailing too. One club member commented on how lovely the atmosphere was at the club.
Thank you to Graham and Phil for manning the safety boat and Trevor for organising, going forward the aim is to share leading and organising the sessions between the parents/grandparents of the juniors. Our more experienced youth sailors are, of course, always welcome to participate and be great role models for our new starters!
The next session is planned for Saturday 22nd November (1pm) and will be a similar mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Club members can ask questions and register interest via the club Junior Section WhatsApp group. Obviously keep an eye on the weather and make sure any youngsters are suitably kitted out!
The aim of the sessions is to create a safe environment for juniors to sail with parents/grandparents with a safety boat out on the lake and a tally system in operation. It is hoped that as the youngsters gain experience and confidence they can then look to participate in the formal RYA-based training offered by the club. Well explore that in a later post.
Last updated 16:45 on 28 October 2025
