A squad of 15 turned up for the first of three ‘Learn to Sail’ days hosted by the Richmond River Rowing and Sailing Club in Ballina last Saturday.
It was the he first learn to sail course since before Covid and included seven men, three women and five children between the ages of nine and thirteen years.
The day included a briefing before the trainees were assigned an instructor to help them get to know the boats on offer; two Corsairs and four Pacers.
‘The day was sunny and with steady winds, around 17 knots with higher gusts. A little higher than we would have liked but a good introduction to sailing in fresh conditions,’ the club’s Garry Bargh said.
‘Trainees were told to get their boats and sails and rigged them under supervision. Then they launched the boats for some SSE wind practice, which was ideal for sailing up and down the river with tacking and gybing practice,’ he said. ‘Before lunch there was a capsize practice in shallow water near the club which went very smoothly’.
At lunch time there was a theory session.
‘The adults were steering straight away and got the basic concepts of sailing quickly. The children were very impressive, no fear and lots of confidence,’ he said.
At the end of the session trainees derigged their boats. and put the sails away.
Two more sessions are planned for upcoming Saturdays from this weekend.
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