Training Report 15th June

RYA Training Course 15th June, Stage 1 and Level 1.
What a daunting prospect for the trainers and trainees alike – 15mph winds with gusts of 29!!!
After the initial briefings from Steve and Dave, our intrepid trainees were introduced to Picos, Toppers and Dave’s ever faithful Wayfarer. The youngsters took to the water in Picos with Alice and Sylvia helming and went for an exhilarating thrash back and forth, watched over closely by Brian and Richard in the safety boats. Everyone came in soaked, even those who had not capsized, but thrilled with the experience. After the lunch break and watching the video, it was the turn of the trainees to take the helm, with Alice, Sylvia and Grace taking the youngsters out and then letting them have a go at helming – inevitably there were some capsizes, but no tears!!
After another spell of rain and strong winds, the sun came out and everyone had a go at sailing, mostly in the reefed Picos. The adults doing really well and surprising themselves!!
A good, if exhausting, day was had by all and everyone left, happy to be returning for day 2 next Sat, clutching their Start Sailing books – compulsory bedtime reading for the next week.
Many thanks to all the instructors, especially Steve who sailed close to the shore, illustrating how to tack, how to come ashore and how NOT to come ashore…very helpful.
Also thanks to our ‘gophers’ who arrived and left at intervals through out the day, helping in the galley and on the shore.