Plain sailing for youngsters

29 August 2007

IT WAS 'Ship Ahoy' for 28 youngsters from across London as they braved the high winds and horizontal rain when they took part in the RYA OnBoard Sailing Festival held in Victoria Dock recently.

The children, aged from nine to 17, already knew the basics of sailing from taking part in OnBoard beginner sessions and so the event was organised to take the kids' sailing to the next level, introducing them to competitive racing.

Day one consisted of some intense racing skills training taught by volunteer sailing coaches and instructors, while day two saw the youngsters paired up in their dinghies for their first ever race and an opportunity to put the theory into practice.

After much jostling on the start line and many impressive manoeuvres around the race course, a winning dinghy and crew emerged.

Emma Cook and Josh Mclynn raised the winners' trophy shortly after Lotte Cugas and Stuart Philbey (pictured right) were awarded second place and Jack Turner and Barney Lom were given third.

The event was run by RYA OnBoard, in conjunction with the Royal Victoria Dock Boat Station and London Area Sea Cadets to make the link between beginner sailing and competitive sailing club racing.

Event organiser Steve Mitchell explained: "Many kids have been introduced to sailing through the RYA's OnBoard project and have taken part in the OnBoard beginner sessions.

"Keen to carry on their new hobby, the festival gives these kids the opportunity to try competitive racing in a fun and relaxed environment.

"Through the support of many dedicated volunteer instructors and coaches we were able to keep the cost of the sailing right down meaning everyone could join in.

"Thanks must go to Kevin Perkins and his Sea Cadet team for their huge support of the event."

To find out more about the OnBoard scheme visit the website www.ruob.co.uk