Sail Training program at Blairgowrie 2007 / 2008
BYS offers an extensive junior sail training program across the summer months. The program is aimed at kids aimed between 8 and 15 or so, and covers the full range between complete beginners and those really wanting to develop their racing experience. Last year we had over 100 kids enrolled. The program is run by experienced Blairgowrie sailors, with head coaches carrying Yachting Victoria coaching qualifications. Indeed we are a fully approved Yachting Australia Training Centre.
Training takes place on Sunday mornings at 9.30am, and on a number of midweek days during January as well. In addition the club has a junior social program running thru the summer with a variety of daytime and evening activities.
We break the training down into 5 different groups – beginner (green), transition (white), intermediate (orange), advanced (blue) and a separate Sabre and Laser class group. Each have separate coaches, and our extensive patrol boat fleet means that we can provide lots of attention on the water. Kids are able to move between groups as their skills progress. The training takes place in front of the club – with the absolute beginners generally staying on the sand bank area inside the moored boats. We very much encourage parents to be involved in the program – whether helping on patrol boats, standing in the water helping beginners, or assisting the coaches.
Our Sail Training Program caters for kids with a wide range of abilities and aspirations. Our primary aim is to ensure that those who take part in the program have the chance to develop a life-long passion for sailing, and that they see sailing and BYS as a fun and enjoyable experience, and simply part of the way in which they like to spend their summer. If they go on one day to be future Olympians, then so much the better !
The training for the kids in the 8 – 13 range is conducted in Minnow class boats – they’re the ones with the blue sails. Participants need to have their own boat – and fortunately there is a strong second hand market in the class with older boats available for as little as $500. For those without a boat and wanting to ‘try before you buy’ – the club has a fleet of 4 two-person ‘Pacer’ class boats which are used extensively during the sail training program for introducing people to sailing. We also encourage those who are ‘still thinking about it’ to come along for a few sessions and see whether they like the feel of the program. To look for second hand boats – try the noticeboards of BYS and Sorrento Sailing club, or the Minnow Association website minnow.org.au
The club offers an extensive race program from November to April, and we strongly encourage the kids to take part in racing as soon as their experience level has built up. On may of the days we offer training races on a special course so that the kids can get used to sail in the afternoon sea breezes without having to venture too far from the beach.
The sail training involves a mix of time in the classroom, on the beach, and of course on the water. Kids are taught all the basics, how to rig the boats, how to right the boat after a capsize, and so on – up to racing techniques for the more advanced kids.
Cost: $60 (For those who register before 28 October)
$75 (For those who register after 28 October)
$250 (Non-members)
Dates Sun 28 Oct Registration
Sun 11 Nov All groups
Sun 18 Nov All groups
Sun 25 Nov All groups
Sun 2 Dec All groups
Sun 9 Dec All groups
Sun 16 Dec All groups
Fri 28 Dec Beginners group – registration & Briefing
Sun 30 Dec All groups
Wed 2 Jan All groups
Sun 6 Jan All groups
Tues 8 Jan All groups
Thurs 10 Jan All groups
Sun 13 Jan All groups
Tues 15 Jan All groups
Thurs 17 Jan All groups
Sun 20 Jan Junior Skippers Race
Sun 27 Jan All groups
Sun 3 Feb All groups
Sun 10 Feb All groups
Sun 17 Feb Beginners only (Lidgett Cup at Daveys Bay)
Sun 24 Feb All groups
Sun 2 March All groups
Sun 9 March (graduation & sail past)
For more pictures
of Sail Training at BYS visit our Photo
Album.
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