We are sailing: Paul Wedding, Arthur Irving, Robert Page, John Royle, Dennis Smith and Robert Barker prepare to launch the sailing season at St Leonards.
By Michelle Herbison
ST LEONARD’S Yacht Club and Motor Squadron will focus on encouraging children to sail this season.
The club’s Robert Barker said the fleet of Heron-class boats would get a workout over summer in a junior sailing program.
Sailing was becoming an “older sport” with fewer young people involved, he admitted.
“A lot of children aren’t aware of sailing – they’re stuck in their rooms playing computer games,” Mr Barker said.
“But 50 or 60 years ago most kids who lived near the beach sailed.”
Mr Barker described sailing as a “nice, open sport” wrongly perceived as elitist.
“Our Heron boats are for people who haven’t been involved with sailing in the past. We can take them out, show them how sailing works and how the boats are rigged and everything.”
Mr Barker said the club had a diverse membership.
“The make-up of the folk here breaks down any barriers in terms of hierarchy. We have everyone from mums and dads to just local people living or holidaying in St Leonards.”
Mr Barker said the club had excellent launching facilities, while its licensed bar and cafe were open to the public.
The club’s large building on the foreshore was also available for weddings and functions.
“People are welcome to just walk down to the club on a Sunday afternoon, have a nice, cold beer and watch the boats,” Mr Barker said.
The sailing season begins this weekend, with Sunday races every week until April.
