Introduction by Tony Sanderson. Spoke about club run by volunteers. Tony stressed the need to a parent coming along and helping out and that by participating the parent would also learn about sailing. We advised Tony Club president, Hugh Lewis Club Captain and Aaron Weare back next week learn to sail instructor. A good turn out of 13 young sailors participating this week.
- Ran thru club facilities, toilets and showers, boat shed, canteen, bar, sky rider storage, lift jacket rack.
- Spoke about next learn to sail and natural progression to Manly Juniors next step.
- Handed out the registration forms to fill out. I advised we would sort out payments in next week or two. As some were interested in the government payment scheme, eftpos etc.
- Asked all the kids to sign on and off. Explained the importance of this (so we know who is participating and to check that they have returned to shore safely) and that even Sydney to Hobart sailors do the same.
- Spoke about safety gear, Life jacket, booties, wet suit, hat, sunscreen.
- Drew up sketch on black board and got student involvement as to parts of boat and what they do.
- We then went outside and had the class members put together and dismantle a skyrider. (too windy to put a boat on the water) 20 knots with up to 43 knot gust around 10am.
- Spoke about how can you tell where the wind is coming from. Got all sorts of suggestions, throw grass clippings into air, look at trees, look at flags , face into the wind, wet your finger etc.
- Mica Sullivan gave assistance and we sent all the juniors out for a 50m swim test dressed in life jackets. A couple of the parents also came out in the water to assist. I went of with them also and they got around comfortably. Water temperature pretty good.
- Then Manly Junior was setup on the rotating table so had the learn to sail kids have a go. Spoke about how the wind fills the sail. Showed them good air flow over sail when the tell tails back and front of sail flow back horizontal to ground. Gave some basic ideas of what way boat turns when move rudder.
- One of the parents asked what we would recommend for extra learn to sail. After they left Barry Grant advised some good website info on sailing.
- Youtube: “Julian Howarth Sailing” – there are several videos covering the various aspects and theories on sailing. Maybe more directed to the parents rather than small kids.
- www.northsails.com – “how sails work”
- Learn to sail for beginners at "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b477nzyJum0"