Juniors on the water

Published 21:47 on 5 May 2026

Juniors and parents/responsible adult hit the water together last Saturday afternoon. Alongside the Junior Fun Days and the Junior RYA training courses, Shotwick Lake Sailing is also running Saturday afternoon sessions (every other Saturday) which are parent-led, allowing both parent/responsible adult and youngsters to get onto the lake with safety boat cover, and informal support from more experienced members. All participants need to be club members and the youngsters remain the responsibility of their adult at all times.

Last Saturday (2nd May) saw perfect weather conditions as club Juniors took to the water in a wide range of personal and club boats. Some were in a dinghy for the first time, while others were more experienced and some undertaken RYA training. All of them clearly had a great time and many new friendships were made.

The sessions are also a great opportunity for our less experienced parents/adults to get used to going on the water with their juniors. We encourage everyone to get out on the lake and sail alongside or with their youngsters during the afternoon, not simply supervise from the shore.

To help with that club boats are available. Pop the junior in an Oppie, and sail alongside in your own boat or share a club boat together. Not sure how to get started then speak to the session coordinator at the next Saturday afternoon session on the 16th or better still join the Junior Sailing WhatsApp group and ask there. If you are looking to use a club boat please ask in theWhatsApp group in advance.

It is also an excellent opportunity for parents to take on the safety boat crew role, working alongside the more experienced and qualified safety boat helm as well as the shore-based coordinator role. Just give it a go!

Club Commodore Jeremy Cooper commented: Developing our junior and family members is a top club priority. Shotwick Lake Sailing is an ideal environment for young families to gain confidence on the water and join the world of watersports! And the team at the enthusiastic support team at the club will ensure that they have fun too.

Lots more photos and video on our Facebook site.

Last updated 10:32 on 6 May 2026