An unprecedented number of enquiries for sailing courses meant that our first training session of the season was fully booked well in advance. It seems interest in sailing is growing once more as people make the most of fantastic Anderson Inlet right on our doorstep. Another course is being organised to satisfy the additional demand on the wait list.
Included in the 13 participants were the Rocksmith family, Anne Burke, Kaylene Rodgers, Richard Cove and granddaughter Phoebe, all current club members plus 5 non-members, Edward, Matthew & Zoe, Megan & Duane, all of whom have now joined up as sailing members! We were blessed with excellent conditions; warm and sunny with a steady 10 knot easterly, which gave our students perfect weather to go through their paces under the ever careful eyes of our instructors, Becky, Folkert, Toby, Steve, Paula, Rowan and Terry on shore providing the theory. From feedback, Terry’s wind diagrams and small boats were tremendously useful for students to appreciate relative wind and sailing direction. George ensured on water safety in the rubber ducky and others were on hand as volunteers over the 2 days to make the course a great success. Always a good sign to have the same number of students at the end as one started with!
George had a stern lecture from the Maritime Police regarding use of the correct lifejacket and having the appropriate radio and safety gear on board: a timely reminder to all of us who may go our in support of our sailors that we need to be leading by example. Suitable gear has now been purchased and is to be used at all times when in the RD.
We look forward to welcoming the new members over future weekends and seeing our newly fledged sailors practicing their skills out on the water. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all those who helped over the 2 days and hope we can repeat the success at the second course very soon.