After receiving 2 sides of paper on what we needed to do to gain RYA recognition at our first inspection, the Rollesby committee got to work on making sure that these things happened. From sourcing fire extinguishers for the powerboats and a map of the broad in case we get lost, preparing the training boats and replacing the accident book with hopefully more future entries than the 2 in the last 3 years!
This year we have had 15 different junior sailors participating on Friday sailing sessions and we have gained several family and junior members as a result. Not only have our junior sailors received certificates but we also have parents keen to learn to sail on our adult courses next year. The atmosphere on these evenings has been amazing with parents helping with launching as well as tea and coffee and home-made sausage rolls for everyone.
We ran our first RYA L1 course for adults in September which was a very enjoyable 2 days training, gaining 5 new members who are competent enough to take club boats for a sail and hopefully join in with club activities.
A special thank you goes to Ellie Edwards who came to every Friday evening to coach her group, including running the evening when I was unable to attend. Thank you to Liz Phillips who helped most weeks during both blocks of sailing, her calm approach built everyone’s confidence. Thank you to Rhiannon Alger who joined the team in September; a big favourite with the children after spending an evening in the water while they all capsized an opi. Thanks also to Chris Foster who helped Ellie’s group before the summer and Richard Brown filling in when needed.
Next year we are intending to run more junior sailing on Friday evenings, adult courses and an assistant instructor course. The adult courses are in particular high demand so if you are interested or know someone interested they will need to reserve their place quickly.
Tamsin Highfield
(Vice commodore)