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The Central region hosted a number of camps recently that allowed young sailors to improve their boat-handling skills while having fun with their friends. The camps, organised by the clubs in conjunction with Yachting New Zealand regional support officer Wayne Holdt, are a feature of the Central region and often see children take part in live-in camps.
“These clinics are heaps of fun," Holdt said. "It’s a great way to help build the kids' skills while taking the focus off racing. The clubs find it helps keep the sailors engaged and building retention.”
Perhaps something like this would be worth adding to your club’s programme.
Wellington Optisail
As many as 25 youngsters from around the Wellington region participated in the 2017 Wellington Optisail hosted by the Titahi Boating Club located on the Porirua inlet. This year’s three day live-in camp was a little different to previous years with the kids mainly sailing their club plastic Optis and the plan of a smaller more inexperienced group of sailors worked well.
As usual, the Wellington weather played its part. The first and third days saw great conditions but the second day was hit by gale force winds.
Many people were involved to make the camp a success, including John and Hillary Goodman and their team of helpers from Titahi Bay BC, as well as the young coaches who helped out and the Plimmerton and Paremata boating clubs.
New Plymouth Optisail
A two-day camp hosted by the New Plymouth Yacht Club was targeted at sailors who had recently completed a learn to sail programme but a couple of new sailors from the Waitara Boating Club attend were among 21 youngsters who attended.
Pauline and Tania and the team of helpers from Taranaki Youthsail kept the sailors on their toes, as well as Paul and his team of young coaches. Thanks to Sailability Taranaki for the loan of their RIB.
East Coast Junior and Youth Sail
This three day live-in camp was hosted by the Wairoa Yacht Club on the Wairoa river. The youngsters enjoyed the 30-degree temperatures on the first day when they sailed down to the shingle bank near the river mouth where all sorts of interesting things wash up. This camp was open to sailors with all manner of boats and many enjoyed the chance to test themselves in a new class.
The sail up to the bridge was testing with strong head winds making the trek challenging at times.
Thanks to Jill and her team of helpers from the Wairoa club and also to Jess for her help with the coaching.
