Young sailors spirits not dampened by the weather
Jul 16th, 2009
A group of 50 youngsters who took part in the Royal Yachting Association's (RYA) OnBoard Sailing Festival on Saturday (July 11th) braved the adverse conditions to learn about yachtsmanship.The event, which was held at Alton Water near Ipswich, was open to young sailors who were being tutored in the area as part of the RYA's OnBoard grass roots programme.
Activities on the day included learning marine terminology, naming boat parts and getting to grips with rigging before setting out on the waters.
OnBoard development officer Chris Hussey, told the RYA: "It's remarkable how quickly the youngsters, some of whom were quite nervous, took to it like ducks to water.
"The weather was not kind to us, after three weeks of solid sunshine and constant gentle winds, it was overcast and threatening. However the occasional heavy showers, shifty winds and gusty conditions didn't seem to phase the youngsters one little bit."
The RYA's OnBoard scheme is designed to help young people across Britain discover the joys of sailing and windsurfing and is supported by the British Marine Foundation (among others).
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
