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Dozens of newly trained sailing coaches are ready to hit the water just in time for the start of the season, having completed their coaching courses over the winter months.
According to Yachting New Zealand's coach development manager, Kirsten Moratz, this influx of fresh coaching talent is set to bolster the sport nationwide.
"We've had 83 coaches complete either their assistant coach, buddy coach or Learn to Sail coaching courses since May, with three more courses still to go," she said.
"This compares very favourably with previous years and will be a welcome addition to yacht clubs across the country as we head into a busy sailing season.
"Our coach developers did an outstanding job running these courses, and we can't wait to see our new coaches in action this summer."
While most new coaches (35) are from Auckland, other regions were also well represented - with 14 in Wellington, 10 in Picton, and eight in Whangārei and Charteris Bay.
The remaining eight coaches completed their courses online.
"The online course was a big success, despite the obvious challenge of creating opportunities for practical coaching," Moratz said.
"The participants improved greatly over four weeks, not only in terms of their coaching knowledge but also with developing skills in writing lesson plans, giving feedback, presenting briefings, and even submitting videos of themselves coaching their friends and families."
Eighty-four coaches completed their coaching courses over winter. Photos / Kirsten Moratz, Justin Hurst
Yachting New Zealand also hosted coaching forums in Wellington, Whangārei, and Christchurch during the winter, aimed at providing a space for coaches in the same region to interact and find practical solutions to their challenges.
"It's an opportunity for coaches to connect and share their coaching ideas," Moratz said.
"We also discussed coaching with creativity and strengthening club programmes."
Young sailors interested in becoming a coach are encouraged to attend one of the three remaining courses - hosted by Manly Sailing Club this weekend (September 7-8), Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club (September 21-22), and Macandrew Bay Boating Club (October 5-6).
For more information email Moratz at kirsten@yachtingnz.org.nz or click here.
