 |
Welcome to the RYA Yorkshire
& Humberside website |
This site aims to provide information for anyone
considering taking up the sport of sailing, as well
as keeping the already well established sailing community
informed about regional events on and off the water.
The site contains information about finding clubs in
your area, where you can receive training from RYA qualified
instructors or where you can just take the family for
their first sailing experience. |
RYA Team15 Windsurfing Competition 2009 - North Lincs Invaders leave the fleet in their wake |
Round three
The Derwent Devils welcomed the Team15 fleet to Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club on Sunday 28th June for the third event in the four match series. This was the first Team15 event ever to be held at the Reservoir and some members of the fleet had difficulty finding the correct county never mind the right lake! However, everyone arrived safely, to one of the windiest sailing clubs in England; on Sunday however, the wind chose to have an off-day. Despite the light winds, grey skies and drizzle the competitors had a fantastic weekend, training and racing, thanks to the hospitality of Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.
Despite a variety of holiday and exam commitments, 44 youngsters (all 15yrs and under) took part, separated into classes by sail size. As usual, the biggest fleet was in the 3.5m class with eighteen young windsurfers all battling to be first. Six members of the newly formed Derwent Devils took part in this class, ranging in age from eight year old Charlie Tose, the youngest member of the Team15 fleet, up to fourteen year old Izzy Bolt and Lottie Philips. The winner of the 3.5m fleet was eleven year old Oliver Anderson from Pugneys Pirates, winning four out of the five races. Oliver was chased in every race by Jacob Newton and Lewis Russell from North Lincs Invaders.
The competition in the larger sail classes was equally well fought, especially in the 4.5m class, with the North Lincs Invaders scoring a clean sweep from 1st to 5th place. First and second places in this class were separated by just one point between 12yr old Charlotte Seal and the eventual winner, 11yr old Jordan Houran. Max Bushell continued the winning form for North Lincs by winning the 6.8m class but the Invaders did not have it all their own way and the crown in the 5.5m class went to 13yr old Kathryn Durham from Pugneys Pirates.
For the third time in the series the team prize went to North Lincs Invaders who are now leaving the other North Zone Team15 clubs in their wake. With one more event left in the four match series the North Zone 2008 Team15 Champions look invincible in 2009.
The next round of the RYA North Zone Team15 championship moves to the far south of the zone in July, when the competition calls in at Covenham Reservoir, Lincolnshire on Sunday 12th July |
|
 |
 |
 |
RYA Team15 results
Derwent Reservoir (to 5th place)
3.5m
1. Oliver Anderson Pugneys Pirates
2. Lewis Rssell Nth Lincs Invaders
3. Jacob Newton Nth Lincs Invaders
4. Benjamin Calvert Pugneys Pirates
5. Jack Dunn Nth Lincs Invaders
4.5m
1. Jordan Houran Nth Lincs Invaders
2. Charlotte Seal Nth Lincs Invaders
3. Jack Lennon Nth Lincs Invaders
4. Ben Welch Nth Lincs Invaders
5. Max Butler Nth Lincs Invaders
5.5m
1. Kathryn Durham Pugneys Pirates
2. Robert Griffiths Nth Lincs Invaders
3. Lewis May Nth Lincs Invaders
4. Noah Knapton Derwent Devils
5. Alex Baldock Covenham Cyclones
6.8m
1. Max Bushell Nth Lincs Invaders
2. Joe Dickinson Covenham Cyclones
3. Luke Raistrick Pugneys Pirates
4. Robert York Covenham Cyclones
5. Tom Harding Pugneys Pirates |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde, T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level. Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches. The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low – to find your local club visit www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400. |
|
DINGHY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
20 – 24TH July 2009
SAILING AT GRIMWITH RESERVOIR IN THE HEART OF THE YORKSHIRE DALES
AND STAYING AT BEWERLEY PARK CENTRE FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION
COST £320 (includes food and accommodation)
Pre entry assessment planned for Fri 26th June (pm)
Please apply as soon as possible to erica.caswell@northyorks.gov.uk
Tel: 01423 711287 (day)/ 01423 712154 (evening)
|
 |
RYA INTRODUCES NEW TEAM15 AMBASSADORS
In a bid to encourage even more youngsters to sign up to Team15 (T15) and to help in the education of young sailors, many of whom are new to windsurfing and windsurfing competition, the RYA has signed up ‘Team15 Ambassadors’.
The new ambassadors are made up of youngsters from the RYA Zone Squads, who typically range between eight and 15 years old and are tasked with helping develop their Team15 club by promoting Team15 and the RYA pathway and Zone Squad programme to other young sailors.
The ambassadors will also represent the RYA at Team15 inter-club events and act as a point of contact for the sailors who may have questions about the zone squad and other training opportunities.
One of the new ambassadors from the RYA North zone squad and has been a member of Team15 for three years said: “I am 11 years old and love windsurfing. Being a member of the RYA North Zone Squad I feel there are lots of skills that I can pass on to my Team15 friends. I am happy to help out and get involved promoting the Team15 initiative to others; I have already introduced 4 new children to come and join our Team15 club this spring.”
Gillian Wright, RYA Windsurfing Development Officer said: “The ambassadors are a great way for the youngsters to share their skills and knowledge with other young sailors. All the kids taking part as so enthusiastic, but with some events having 50 plus competitors they are going to have their work cut out for them.”
The first Team15 Ambassadors were presented with their certificates and specially designed rash vests at a recent Zone Squad training weekend. The ambassadors included:
Rob Griffiths (North Lincs Invaders)
Robert York (Covenham Cyclones)
Lewis May (North Lincs Invaders)
Jack Bailey (Team Astbury)
Emma Labourne (North Lincs Invaders)
Max Bushell (North Lincs Invaders)
Ruben Lansley (North Lincs Invaders)
James Bloor (Team Astbury)
Ben Stone (Team Astbury)
Catriona Hards (Hythe Hotshots)
Cameron Moffatt (Bewl Blasters)
Jack Trollope (Alton Water Wipeouts)
Matthew Barton (Alton Water Wipeouts)
Emily Hall (Notts County Outlaws)
Sarah Jackson (Team Astbury)
Luke Raistrick (Pugneys Pirates)
Rich Wardle (Team Astbury)
So if you’re a windsurfer in one of the RYA Zone Squads and would like to apply to become a Team15 ambassador, then email team15@rya.org.uk for an application form.
T15 was set up by the RYA to help make windsurfing more accessible and appealing to youngsters at a grass roots level and is supported by industry leaders Neilson, Tushingham/Starboard, Windsurf magazine, Boards magazine and Neil Pryde. Fun and informal training sessions take place at T15 clubs all over the country for kids up to the age of 15, which are run weekly by specialist RYA coaches. Kit can be borrowed from the clubs and the cost of sessions is kept low.
The T15 inter-club championship takes place regionally over the summer adding a competitive edge and race training for those keen to hone their skills.
To find out how you or your local club can get involved in Team15 visit: www.team15.org.uk or contact the RYA 0845 345 0400. |
Windwise Live Tour 2009!
Simon Bornhoft Boards Magazine Technique Editor
Architect of ‘Fastfwd’ the RYA coaching methodology for improver to advanced windsurfers.
Author of RYA Intermediate & RYA Advanced Windsurfing books
Windwise Live 2009!
Simon Bornhoft invites you to a unique interactive audio-visual windsurfing seminar show at a fabulous location near you this summer!
A special night of pure windsurfing indulgence! Don’t miss this illuminating, informative and entertaining evening.
From beginners to waves sailors this is a must for all windsurfers! This summer evening will give you an interactive, insightful and very enjoyable night hosted by one of the worlds most experienced coaches.
You’ll discovery how YOU really learn new skills! Find out what ‘Secrets of the Pros’ are actually useful for the recreational windsurfer!
Windsurfing myths and mysteries expelled! Interactive sessions on what truly makes the difference on the water.
Skills Training, Body Mechanics and a fresh motivating approach to your windsurfing!
Plus all attendees will get their own personal progress plan and much, much more!
Are YOU up for the challenge and ready to bring YOUR windsurfing alive in 2009!
Why not bring a friend and introduce someone new to windsurfing!
download the details here |
RYA Dinghy Performance Sailing Module – for Dinghy Instructors
09:30 – 17:00
These weekends are intended for Dinghy Instructors to aid with their personal skills development and work towards becoming an Advanced Instructor. The course is heavily subsidised by the RYA so it’s a bargain at only £50 plus vat!
-
27 & 28 June Pugneys Country Park pugneyscp@wakefield.gov.uk or 01924 302360
-
18 & 19 July Rother Valley Water Sports watersports@rvcp.co.uk or 0114 2471452 ext 1
-
15 & 16 August Wykeham Watersports info@wykehamwatersports.co.uk or 0845 4560164
-
12 & 13 September Venue TBC Depends upon demand...
Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment – Booking form and course fee to be sent to RDO
For further information please contact David Clarke: OneDBClarke@aol.com
Please download, complete and return your booking form to secure your place:
booking form Pugneys booking form Rother Valley booking form Wykeham |
Rotherham youngster sails to RYA Eric Twiname glory
Young Wingfield windsurfer Chloe Bennett is celebrating after landing a top prize at the 2009 RYA Eric Twiname Championships – one of Britain’s biggest events for the country’s brightest junior sailing talents.
Now in their 23rd year, the Championships are the pinnacle of the racing calendar for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads, which are the first rung on the ladder towards Olympic Classes sailing.
Some 226 sailors – all aged between eight and 15 and representing the nine RYA Zone and Home Country squads - descended on Rutland Water this weekend (9-10 May) in a bid to help their Zone land the coveted Eric Twiname Shield and be named the top RYA Zone.
And 15-year-old Chloe enjoyed an excellent weekend winning the top girls’ trophy for the Bic Techno 7.8 class. Her victory also meant that Chloe helped her Zone, the North Zone, to third place overall in the race for the Eric Twiname Shield.
Although breezes of 15 plus knots guaranteed a cracking first day of racing on Saturday, the wind wasn’t quite so willing to play ball on Sunday and with no further racing possible on day two the overnight leaders in the dinghy and windsurfing classes were crowned 2009 RYA Eric Twiname champions.
Duncan Truswell, RYA Youth Racing Manager, said: “The standard of racing on Saturday was the highest I have seen at this event for some years. In some shifty, gusty winds, sometimes over 20 knots, all the sailors did really well to hang in there and keep focussed for the full four races and it was great to see the level of skill being displayed.
“This is testament to the work the sailors have put in with their coaches over the winter and the fact that the RYA Eric Twiname Championships is held in such high regard by everyone. I was really impressed this weekend.”
John Derbyshire, RYA Racing Manager / Performance Director added: “The RYA Eric Twiname Championships are a fundamental rung in the development ladder for the young sailors, some of whom will have started at the absolute grassroots through the RYA’s OnBoard and Team15 programmes and for those who we hope will eventually go on to represent Britain as seniors at the World’s biggest Olympic Classes regattas.”
Full results and further event information can be found at the RYA Racing Events website at www.ryaracingevents.org.uk |
 |
North Lincs SC - RYA Club of the year award 
Windsurfers from North Lincs played a major part in the regions recent Twiname success:
Bic Techno 4.5
1) James Bloor (Astbury)
2) Sarah Labourne (North Lincolnshire & Humberside SC)
3) Cameron Coghill (Nottinghamshire County SC)
Winning Zone: West
Bic Techno 5.5
1) Henry Bloodworth (Queen Mary SC)
2) Ruben Lansley (North Lincolnshire & Humberside SC)
3) Guy Dixon (Oxford SC)
Winning Zone: South East
Bic Techno 6.8
1) Emma Labourne (North Lincolnshire & Humberside SC)
2) Max Bushell (North Lincolnshire & Humberside SC)
3) Zak Page (Croft Farm)
Winning Zone: North
Bic Techno 7.8
1) Tom Squires (Oxford SC)
2) Chloe Bennett (N/A)
3) Thomas Addison (Hythe & Saltwood SC)
Winning Zone: South East
Windsurfing overall winning Zone:
1) South East
2) North
3) South West |
RYA Sailability Disability Awareness Training Day
It’s FREE to everyone involved in working with anyone with a disability at a club or centre. This is a great opportunity to break down the barriers on disability access and find out current best practice techniques.
Saturday 6th of June at Otley Sailing Club (09:30 – 15:00)
Please contact Peter Fox to book on: Hyginbarwick@aol.com 0113 257 8411
Directions: http://www.otley-sailingclub.co.uk/location.htm
RYA Sailability: Making disability plain sailing! www.rya.org.uk/sailability |
Meet your County
Sports Partnership (Reminder)
Dont miss this great opportunity to find out how your
local CSP can help support your club this season.
All Clubs and Centres are invited to
attend this meeting, refreshments and a light buffet
will be available, please arrive at 18:45 for a prompt
19:00 start.
A maximum of 2 delegates per club are invited, please
confirm your attendance at least 3 days prior
Agenda
-
Who is your CSP and how can they help you
-
Local funding advice
-
Support in promoting your club
-
Sport England’s Active People and Market
Segment data
-
Coach CPD courses
-
Future working relationship
Agenda and meeting dates in this
PDF grouping and meeting location in this
PDF
|
The first “Themed Round” of funding form Sport England’s 09-13 Strategy is Rural Communities:
New Fund to Promote Sports in Rural Areas
Sport England has announced that its new £10 million fund to create sporting opportunities for people in rural areas is now open for applications. This is the first in a series of themed funding rounds aimed at increasing community based sports. The Rural Communities Themed Round is designed to give a wide range of organisations, from local authorities to sports clubs and smaller community groups, an opportunity to develop and deliver new and innovative projects to overcome barriers to both participation and supply of sporting opportunities. Successful bids will make significant contributions to two of Sport England’s strategic outcomes:
· Growing participation in grassroots sport.
· Sustaining participation by improving the quality of people’s sporting experience.
The minimum grant available is £10,000, but in order to maximise the positive effect on sport in rural areas, Sport England is explicitly encouraging high value, high impact projects. A significant proportion of the successful bids are expected to be projects requiring National Lottery funding of more than £500,000. A detailed application prospectus for the Rural Communities Themed Round is available on Sport England’s website.
The closing date for applications is 30th June 2009.
http://funding.sportengland.org/funding_programmes/rural_communities1.aspx
Sport England Strategy Sport England information pack Sport England in the community
|
- Sport England Strategy – gives you an overview of their 09-13 strategy identifying the priority areas – GROW - SUSTAIN – EXCEL
- Sport England Information pack for Sailing - breaks down the data from the Active People 1 survey in relation to GROW & SUSTAIN
- SE Funding in the community - explains further their new funding streams
- Rural Communities Themed Round – this is the press release launching the first “Themed Round”
- Q&A Rural Communities Themed Round – More information on the first Themed Round
|
|
 |
RYA Press Release
14 April 2009
Less than week remaining to enter 2008 RYA Youth
Nationals
Bowles & Masters
vie for RYA Volvo Youth Nationals supremacy at Largs
The battle for windsurfing supremacy is hotting up
as George Bowles and Ali Masters sit neck and neck in
pole position after day two of the RYA Volvo Youth National
Championships and Trials at Largs Sailing Club.
With blustery, wet conditions testing the sailors to
the max, it was 16-year-old Bowles from Brigg that enjoyed
the best return from today’s three RS:X races
(Tues 14 April) to ensure that 2008 European RS:X Youth
silver medallist Masters was not going to have everything
his own way in the Youth Nationals gold quest.
With Masters, 17, heading the overnight leaderboard,
Bowles posted scores of 2, 2, 1 to Masters’ 3,
1, 2 to put them level on nine points apiece after five
races.
However, Bowles, who only stepped up to the RS:X board
from the smaller Bic Techno last September, is not getting
carried away by his early regatta success.
He said: “I’m definitely really pleased
with the way things have gone so far; my goal for the
week was just to try to do the basics right. It was
very gusty today and my consistency is probably the
thing that’s pleased me most so far and that’s
what I’ll be looking to carry on for the rest
of the week. My first event on the RS:X board was only
last September so I have surpassed my expectations after
the first two days but we’re not even halfway
through yet and there is still a long week ahead.”
To keep up-to-date with all the news as it happens
in Largs visit www.ryaracingevents.org.uk
and sign up for the new results email alerts to get
the latest results straight to your inbox and via the
popular Youth Nationals blog. |
Backing Sport in
your Community
Sport England launched its new Small Grants
Programme on the 1st of April, and an enhanced version
of the popular Sportsmatch scheme
Read more here....
|
Keeping you up to
date with events and news from around the Y&H region:
RYA Yorkshire and Humberside newsletter Spring 2009
click
here to download or view (pdf file opens in a new
window) |
 National
Multi Class Regatta 2009 - August 14th
- 16th - Rutland SC more details here.
|
Windsurf Senior Instructor
Course
When: 22nd - 25th May
Where: Pugneys Country Park
|
RYA Disability
Awareness Training
On Saturday the 23th of May at Otley Sailing Club and
On Sunday the 24th of May at Calvert Trust Kielder we
will be running the RYA Disability Awareness Training
Course.This is FREE and open to anyone with an involvement
in training anyone with a disability at their club or
Centre, a great way to get up to date advice and support.
For more info please contact Suzie Blair, RDO
Mobile: 07771 642933
E-mail: suzie.blair@rya.org.uk |
Funding Opportunities
09-13
Sport England have announced their new funding strategy
which focuses on three key areas of development:
Grow
New regular sailing participants (youth & adult)
Sustain
Supporting existing regular participants (youth &
adult)
Excel
Improved talent development (primarily youth)
Sports clubs, voluntary and community organisations,
local authorities and education establishments will
be able to apply to these four open-access funding streams:
Up to £30 million will be invested via regular
themed funding rounds that meet specific needs of community
sport
£7 million will be available in small grants of
between £300 and £10,000 to support sporting
projects across England
£3 million will be distributed through Sportsmatch
£5 million will be invested, through a new Innovation
Fund, in projects that identify and pilot new ways of
promoting and supporting grassroots sport
Where do you fit in? For more information go to: www.sportengland.org
Go to ‘Get Funding’ and then ‘How
funding works.’
Also contact your local County Sports Partnership for
information on local funding and advice:
http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_resources/county_sports_partnerships.htm |
Meet your County
Sports Partnership
Don’t miss this great opportunity to find out
how your local CSP can help support your club this season.
All Clubs and Centres are invited to
attend this meeting, refreshments and a light buffet
will be available, please arrive at 18:45 for a prompt
19:00 start.
A maximum of 2 delegates per club are invited, please
confirm your attendance at least 3 days prior
Agenda
- Who is your CSP and how can they help you
- Local funding advice
- Support in promoting your club
- Sport England’s Active People and Market Segment
data
- Coach CPD courses
- Future working relationships
-
CSP |
South Yorkshire
Sport |
West Yorkshire
Sport |
Humber Sports
Partnership |
North Yorkshire
Sport |
WHEN |
Thursday the 21st
of May 7 – 9pm |
Wednesday the 20th
of May 7 – 9pm |
Wednesday the 27th
of May 7 – 9pm |
Thursday the 28th
of May 7 – 9pm |
WHERE |
The English Institute
of Sport, Sheffield, S9 5DA |
Pugneys Country Park,
Wakefield, WF2 7EQ |
The Octagon
Kingston upon Hull |
TBC |
Confirm attendance to: |
Tara Smith
tara.smith@sysport.co.uk
0114 2235683 |
Lucy Birkenshaw
lucy.birkenshaw@wysport.co.uk
01484 234087 |
Rachel Sullivan
RSullivan@goodwin-centre.org
01482 387491 |
Paul Downes
Paul.Downes@harrogate.gov.uk
01423 545187 |
|
RYA
Raymarine Yorkshire and Humberside Young Sailor of the
Year title 2008
Dean Crangle, winner of the RYA Raymarine Yorkshire
and Humberside Young Sailor of the Year title 2008,
was presented with his prestigious award at a ceremony
at the London Boat Show last week. A fantastic achievement
for the 16 year old who received his award for his
hard work at Thornton Stewart Sailing Club. |
|
Get OnBoard with
Pugneys!
Pugneys Country Park Watersports Centre held its annual
prize-giving on Saturday 13th December and became the
surprise recipient of an award itself!
RYA (Royal Yachting Association) OnBoard Development
Officer Liz MacDonald presented Centre Manager Steve
Cerrone with the Yorkshire Regional OnBoard Achievement
Award for the Centre’s work with young people
in the region.
“The RYA OnBoard scheme works with a number of
clubs across the region but Pugneys was the first to
get started,” explained Liz MacDonald. “Over
the past summer Pugneys alone has introduced over 300
new youngsters to the sport of sailing and 20 of these
youngsters are now regular attenders at the Pugneys
sailing and windsurfing club.”
“We are very pleased to be the recipient of the
RYA OnBoard Achievement Award and to be recognised for
the work we do as a team at Pugneys,” said Steve
Cerrone after the award ceremony. “I would like
to pay tribute to all the parents and staff who make
it all possible, especially at the Saturday Club, and
most importantly the young sailors. This year has been
particularly successful for Pugneys and we have current
and past young sailors and windsurfers who are now members
of National Training Squads but perhaps the biggest
congratulations should go to Helen and Sarah Burgess
who won the 405 National Championships earlier this
summer. This year our young windsurfers have travelled
as far afield as the Scottish borders and the dinghy
sailors have competed in events across the country from
Weymouth to Scotland. Fantastic achievements all round.”
Ward Councillor June Drysdale agreed and supported
the RYA OnBoard Achievement Award, “The facilities
and the commitment of the staff here at Pugneys are
fantastic. Everyone has the children at heart.”
These feelings were echoed by Mrs Kate Earp whose son
Matt has just completed his Dinghy Instructor Course
at the centre. “I would like to say how wonderful
the facilities are and most importantly how great the
staff are.”
Plaques were presented to every team member in the
Junior Windsurfing and Sailing sections and then the
climax of the award ceremony came when the names of
the Overall Winners of the Windsurfing and Sailing sections
were revealed.
The RYA Team15 Cadet of the Year award went to 10 year
old Matthew Carey from Halifax who attends Bradford
Grammer School.
“Choosing one overall winner was very difficult,”
said Windsurfing Team15 Instructor Roy Peacock. “Matthew’s
personality and his ability to mix in with the other
team members were most important.”
Pugneys Dinghy Cadet of the Year was 16 year old Robert
Gair from Wakefield who attends Queen Elizabeth Grammer
School.
“This year the Dinghy award could have gone to
an one of four or five candidates,” said Pugneys
Dinghy Instructor Tim Dean. “In the end it came
down to personality and Robert’s encouragement
to others and his willingness to help.”
“Coming here to Pugneys is great fun,”
said Robert. “I have just completed my RYA Assistant
Dinghy Instructor Course and next summer I hope to do
my Instructor Course.”
This comes on top of Robert’s packed summer schedule
which includes completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold
Award on board a Tall Ship in 2009.
Pugneys Country Park Watersports Centre is open all
year except Christmas week and attracts young people
from Wakefield and the surrounding area, some from as
far afield as Doncaster and York. Everyone is welcome.
“We will be working with more local schools in
2009,” explained RYA OnBoard Development Officer
Liz MacDonald. “Any teachers or Partnership Development
Managers who want further information can get in touch.”
Call Liz MacDonald
on 07789 271810 or visit www.ruob.co.uk
for more information.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Bewerly
Park & Gybe to OnBoard
Bewerly Park & Gybe to OnBoard
Bewerly Park Centre for Outdoor Education in
partnership with the volunteer ran ‘Gybe Scheme’
have just become OnBoard in North Yorkshire.
Sailing and windsurfing at Ripon Race course, Farnham
Lake and Grimwith Reservoir, in the Yorkshire Dales
the partnership have been working together to get more
local young people afloat.
Becoming OnBoard has encouraged them get to also RYA
recognition for windsurfing and in turn to introduce
more structure to their regular sessions, helping children
to work through the Junior Windsurfing and Youth Sailing
Scheme’s. They have also been able to purchase
more buoyancy aids and wetsuits for the younger children
and new windsurf boards to help the budding windsurfer’s
progress and develop their skills further.
Since signing up to OnBoard the ‘Park & Gybe’
partnership have strengthened their links with the Yorkshire
Dales Sailing Club, based at Grimwith, and they are
now offering regular youth training sessions on Saturday
mornings. They have been recruiting club members as
volunteers to help out with the teaching, rescue cover,
rigging, launching etc, and with the building of the
YDSC shiny new clubhouse starting this really is an
ideal venue to introduce more young people to sailing
and windsurfing and to keep them doing it!
Sam Cook (as seen below in the Comet with some Giggling
Girl Guides) who runs the Gybe Scheme said, “We
are very excited to be OnBoard and are really looking
forward to getting more local youth groups afloat next
year, flying the OnBoard flag int’ Yorkshire Dales!”. |
OB at Pugneys Country
Park
Over the past month, 10 students from St Thomas’
Junior School in Featherstone have been setting sail
at Pugneys Country Park. The year 6 pupils were introduced
to sailing through the National ‘OnBoard’
scheme which aims to introduce more young people to
the sports of sailing and windsurfing. Staff from the
school also got involved when they attended Pugneys
for a sailing course earlier in the year.
The twice weekly sessions were arranged by Tim Butler
and Heather Hudson – year 6 teachers from the
school, and Yorkshire’s OnBoard Development Officer
- Liz McDonald. All was made possible by funding from
Sport England’s ‘Sport Unlimited’
programme which was used to pay for the instructors
and boat hire at Pugneys.
“The sessions were a great success and participants
thoroughly enjoyed themselves”, said Liz. “None
of them had been sailing before, the OnBoard scheme
and funding from Sport Unlimited made the sport more
accessible to these local youngsters. It was fantastic
to see them progressing each week and tackling the challenges
set for them.”
The weather was not always kind to the youngsters;
the strong winds of the last day in particular proved
challenging. However the students’ enthusiasm
was not dampened as they learnt a range of skills over
the 10 sessions, including rigging, steering and capsizing.
RYA Stage 1 certificates will be presented to the participants
at school, proving they are now competent sailors.
St Thomas’ Junior School hopes to continue with
the scheme and give more students the opportunity to
go sailing in the spring.
If you would like more information about the OnBoard
scheme, and how you can get involved please contact
Liz McDonald.
Tel: 07789 271810
E-mail: lmcdonald2@wakefield.gov.uk |
 |
 |
Taster Day at Otley Sailing Club
48 primary school children from the Otley area attended
Otley Sailing Club on at the end of October, for their
first taste of dinghy sailing. Two sailing sessions
were run throughout the day by volunteers from the club,
as part of the National RYA (Royal Yachting Association)
OnBoard scheme. Through the scheme, the club hopes to
encourage more local youngsters and their families to
get involved with the exciting sport of sailing.
The children heard about the taster day when Liz McDonald,
Yorkshire’s OnBoard Development Officer, and Antony
Cam, Senior Instructor from the club, joined forces
with the local School Sports Co-ordinator David Nutt.
They kick started the scheme in Otley by visiting four
local primary schools to give a sailing presentation
to all year 5 and 6 children.
The weather was less than ideal with strong gusty winds
and intermittent drizzle. However, it did not put off
the budding young sailors. Judging by the squeals of
delight heard from the bank, the club’s two man
‘Access’ dinghies were a great hit. Experienced
sailors from the club were also on hand to give rides
in their larger, faster dinghies.
“The taster day was a great way to begin promoting
sailing within the Otley area” said Liz, “We
could not have hoped for a better response from the
local youngsters and it was fantastic to see so many
of them out on the water. The volunteers from the club
did a great job to keep everyone safe and happy throughout
the day.”
At the end of their sailing sessions all the children
were invited to join Otley SC’s regular junior
sailing club, held on a Sunday morning from September
to November, and a Thursday evening from May to July.
11 of the youngsters were so keen they returned the
next day to get out on the water again!
If you would like any further information about the
RYA OnBoard scheme, or Otley Sailing Club, please contact
Liz McDonald.
Tel: 07789 271810 E-mail lmcdonald2@wakefield.gov.uk |
  |
www.rya.org
is the home of the National RYA website, it contains
a huge ammount of information for anyone involved in
sailing, from novice to Senior instuctor and beyond. |
|
|
