Learn To Sail Report Saturday 12/03/2016
A warm humid day around 28 degrees Celsius starting with SE 4 - 6 knot breeze swinging to the NE provided near perfect conditions for the learn to sail crew. Around eight (8) young sailors coming along. James defected to try out a sail on a manly junior with Jack Markey, who needed someone to practice his skipper skills with. After setting up the boats we focused on sailing a Port direction course (keeping buoys on left hand side). Hannah assisting with her dad and Kody’s dad in manning the rubber duckie. They set a triangular course nearby to the shore. Once the marks were put in place the crews set sail. For some it took a little while to come to terms with sailing toward the windward mark without getting in irons (stalling). Once mastered the young sailors started gaining confidence and racing each other. When the breeze change from SE to NE there was a period when the breeze dropped out. We took the opportunity to practice towing drill to add some variety to the program. Each boat was towed from the deepest mark back towards shore. Focus was on the tow rope being held by hand after wrapping twice around the mast, alo needing to keep hold of the rudder and following the towing boat. Also to let go of the rope when towing finished or if they have a problem. There was also a focus on maintaining contact with the rudder and mainsheet when tacking or gybing to keep control of the boat. In the hot conditions towards the end of the session a few wanted to practice their capsize skills so took the opportunity to jump into the water. At the end of the day there was plenty of smiling faces. At debriefing we spoke about how the day went and also about the upcoming sailing camp on Saturday 2nd of April and Sunday the 3rd of April. Permission notes were handed back and requested to be return the following weekend Saturday 19/03/2016 (last learn to sail day before camp).
Important dates for learn to sail:
A warm humid day around 28 degrees Celsius starting with SE 4 - 6 knot breeze swinging to the NE provided near perfect conditions for the learn to sail crew. Around eight (8) young sailors coming along. James defected to try out a sail on a manly junior with Jack Markey, who needed someone to practice his skipper skills with. After setting up the boats we focused on sailing a Port direction course (keeping buoys on left hand side). Hannah assisting with her dad and Kody’s dad in manning the rubber duckie. They set a triangular course nearby to the shore. Once the marks were put in place the crews set sail. For some it took a little while to come to terms with sailing toward the windward mark without getting in irons (stalling). Once mastered the young sailors started gaining confidence and racing each other. When the breeze change from SE to NE there was a period when the breeze dropped out. We took the opportunity to practice towing drill to add some variety to the program. Each boat was towed from the deepest mark back towards shore. Focus was on the tow rope being held by hand after wrapping twice around the mast, alo needing to keep hold of the rudder and following the towing boat. Also to let go of the rope when towing finished or if they have a problem. There was also a focus on maintaining contact with the rudder and mainsheet when tacking or gybing to keep control of the boat. In the hot conditions towards the end of the session a few wanted to practice their capsize skills so took the opportunity to jump into the water. At the end of the day there was plenty of smiling faces. At debriefing we spoke about how the day went and also about the upcoming sailing camp on Saturday 2nd of April and Sunday the 3rd of April. Permission notes were handed back and requested to be return the following weekend Saturday 19/03/2016 (last learn to sail day before camp).
Important dates for learn to sail:
- Saturday 19/03/2016 last Learn to sail day – hand back filled out camp notices.
- Saturday 26/03/2016 easter no learn to sail
- Saturday 02/04/2016 & Sunday 03/04/2016 Learn to Sail Camp. END OF SEASON FOR LEARN TO SAIL