By Gill Cooper
A new generation of sailors is learning the ropes at Royal Geelong Yacht Club during the school holidays.
A two-day coaching clinic for 100 children led by Australian Sailing instructors followed the recent Spring Sail Regatta for off-the-beach boat classes at Geelong over the weekend. Both events were supported by 65 local volunteers.
Australian Sailing coach Clare Ridgeway said the kids started off their days with warm-up exercises learning how to get their boats safely rigged and ready, followed by theory classes and sailing.
Olympic representative and Victorian head coach Carrie Smith, who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in the women’s 470 dinghy class, was also in Geelong to help run the clinic.
Club spokesman Mike Williams said about 180 competitors were involved in the regatta bringing their dinghies from around Geelong and Port Phillip Bay.
He said the chilly conditions on Corio Bay and on the beach tested the mettle of the sailors.
“It was very successful although a bit cold for some of the kids. Everyone goes home with a smile on their face – even if it is frozen,” he said.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club had hosted the regatta and Australian Sailing clinic days for the past four years, he said.
“It’s all about giving people the opportunity to learn how to sail,” Mike said.
The club’s new Tackers programs for 7 to 12-year-olds also started this week with half day sessions on Wednesday and again next Friday 5 October.
Other sailing courses for all ages will be run to link to national Discover Sailing Day on 28 October.
For more information, visit www.rgyc.com.au or contact Mike Williams on 5229 3705.
