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The first Learn to Sail (dinghy) coaching courses of 2024 have been successfully completed and to mark the start of the new season, Yachting New Zealand hosted several of its coach development managers for a one-day workshop in Auckland late last month.
Coach development manager Kirsten Moratz described the workshop as "a great day of collaboration, inspiration and new connections".
"We had coach developers from Wanaka, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Northland spend the day at Murrays Bay Sailing Club, looking at a selection of new coaching resources, as well as a brainstorm to develop content to include in our new coaching booklets," Moratz said.
"It was the first time some of them had met each other and the ideas we shared will hopefully contribute to our aspiring coaches having an even better experience with their course material in future."
One of the coach developers Justin Hurst said he especially enjoyed the diversity of ideas and approaches, while another - Verity Lawrence - was pleased to have learnt more about Yachting New Zealand's schools education programme RŪNĀ.
Meanwhile, Moratz said the first two Learn to Sail (dinghy) coach courses, held at Whangārei Cruising Club and Wakatere Boating Club over the first weekend of May, were well-received.
"Congratulations to all 17 coaches who completed their course, to Justin for running another awesome course, and big thanks to Whangārei Cruising Club and Wakatere Boating Club for hosting and providing boats and access to the club," she said.
"Well done to all coaches, and best of luck for the next steps on your coaching journeys."
The next courses are set for Howick Sailing Club in Auckland on August 10-11, Wellington's Evans Bay Yacht and Motorboat Club the following weekend, and Queen Charlotte Yacht Club on August 24-25.
Online courses will also be hosted from 5pm to 7pm on August 7, 14, 21 and 28.
"Now is the ideal time to upskill, whether you are a young sailor looking to give back, a parent eager to learn more, or coordinating the Learn to Sail programme at your club,”Moratz said.
“This course is designed to get you started on your coaching journey, while being easy to fit into your schedule with flexible weekend sessions and online modules."
Anyone wanting to take the course must:
- Complete the Coaching Yachting 101 online modules.
- Complete the Child Safeguarding modules (through the Sport New Zealand catalogue).
- Have intermediate sailing ability.
- Be confident in and around the water.
- Be at least 14 years of age.
To sign up for a Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail (dinghy) coach course, follow these easy steps:
- Go to the course calendar by clicking here.
- Find the course in your region, click the link, and you will be taken to our online learning platform where you can create an account and sign up for the course.
