SAILING IN THE CITY (23/06/2009)
Pupils in Primary 7 and S1 took part in a sailing taster experience at Prestwick Sailing Club at the weekend. The taster session was run by RYA Scotland as part of their ‘Sailing in The City’ programme. The ‘Sailing in the City’ project was created and established by the Royal Yachting Association Scotland in 2004, to provide local and accessible sailing opportunities for children between 8 and 14 years of age. SITC aims not only to introduce children to the amazing sport of sailing but also to encourage them to continue once they have got involved.

The session, run by 2 RYA instructors saw the participants using Taz sailing dinghies, well protected by helmets and buoyancy aids. The young sailors learned about boat balance and trim while practicing how to steer and paddle a Taz dinghy.

“It was a great experience as we learned how to man the sails and steering. We also had fun as we all of us had to get on the dingy at the same time. This was a real challenge. I would definitely do this again and am looking forward to doing it in the summer” Alexandra Brown

“Well, Sailing in the City was really fun. I met a new friend called Eloise, who I shared a dingy with. I enjoyed watching everyone except us capsize. We had a race in which we came second, and Alexandra and Ruth got stuck in the middle of the sea, while two other boys (not from our school) had to get towed in.

I forgot to bring my swim suit, resulting in me getting soaked. We had to put on: Long-John things, a jacket, a life-jacket and helmets. Most of them were soaked. However, we had fun!” Megan Bindoni

Return to News Headlines >

Click to enlarge