|
Cowes Yacht Club – Training
Cowes Yacht Club sail training program is run over the summer period. The sail training was established with the aim of providing the most economical means possible for anyone who might like to have a go at sailing. The sail training program which is held over the summer holiday period has introduced many people to the fun and enjoyment of sailing.
Cowes Yacht Club has a small fleet of sail training yachts available and is currently expanding the sail training program due to demand. The Cowes Yacht Club is enhancing the course provided, with new sail training yachts and equipment being updated on a regular basis and an invigorating sail training course.
Cowes Yacht Club sail training caters for both juniors and adults, from beginners to advanced levels. The course includes off the beach sailing theory plus on the water sailing using Cowes Yacht Club sail training boats.
The sail training course provided is accredited by Yachting Australia and caters for both adults and children (from 8 years old) with the intention of progressing the sailors skill levels in a fun and family environment.
Course Syllabus – Get Into Small Boat Sailing – Basic Skills 1
- Environment and Safety
- Boat familiarization
- Parts of a boat
- Rigging
- Steering
- Capsize and recovery
- Sail trim
- Sailing techniques
- Rules of the road
Is it safe?
Sailing carries an element of risk. However, safety is a fundamental requirement of our Club in all aspects of
sailing activities. All sailors are required to register ('Sign on') prior to sailing, and after leaving the water ('Signoff').
This procedure applies prior to the start of sail training and at the end of the session. Club patrol boats
are on duty at all times during on-water activities, under supervision of the Race Officer for the day. It is
essential that all who attend sail training are adequate swimmers and are capable of climbing into a boat after
capsize. Adults particularly should ensure they are physically fit. Please inform the Administrator or Head
Instructor of anything which may impact on your sailing ability.
Buoyancy Vests:
The wearing of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE WATER is a strictly
enforced club rule. The Sailing School recommends:-
Children under 12 years PFD Type 1 (AS1512). Persons 12 years and over - PFD Type 2. A limited number of
these PFD's are available to youth sailors on loan for a session, upon request.
Weather:
Training will be held regardless of the weather. If the conditions are unsuitable for on-water activities, theory
sessions or other activities will be held in the clubhouse or on the lawn.
What to wear and bring with you
This list provided below outlines what you should bring to the program. Even if it is a beautiful day, it is still
COLD on the water!
- Wetsuit - full body if possible and not too tight. Wetsuits are available at low cost from many opportunity
shops OR WARM clothing – the type that will provide good insulation when wet and not to bulky. - Woollen (non synthetic) jumper –close fitting and thin if possible. This will be worn underneath the
wetsuit. Thermal tops / leggings are also good. - Windproof / water proof jacket / slicker.
- Warm Beanie (polar fleece or wool, not nylon)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- If you wear spectacles, bring some elastic to tie them on with.
- Sunscreen, and if you have a fair complexion, zinc for your nose as well
- Bathers
- Sailing or surf booties - woollen socks with an old pair of runners will suffice (no bare feet)
- Towel and a complete change of warm clothes including socks.
- Garbage bag to put wet clothes into at the end of the day.
- Water bottle
- Life jacket – PFD (this can be borrowed from the Club if you don’t have one)
Parents – get involved too!
Parents of children sailors are encouraged to assist in various ways – on the beach, launching and retrieving
boats to and from the water. Please let us know how you can help.
As a member of the Cowes Yacht Club you are encouraged to become involved in the club activities on and
off the water, use the facilities, make friends and join us at social events.
Purchasing a boat
The choice of boat will depend on the age, skill and weight of the sailor. For young sailors (under 50kg), we
recommend an ‘Optimist’ or the 'Minnow'. Adult sailors should consider purchasing either the Sabre dinghy
(one person) or Pacer dinghy (two persons). Please speak to one of our Instructors to discuss the most
suitable boat for you.
Enrolments
Enrolments will only be accepted on the official Yachting Australia Student Enrolment Form obtainable by clicking here.
Payment is required at the time of enrolment. Please see the Enrolment Form for details.
The number of places available in both adult’s and children’s training squads is limited, so enrolments will be accepted on a first-in basis in the order completed Enrolment Forms are received together with full payment, until the squad limit is reached. This rule applies to all applications, including Club members and in the interests of fairness to all will be strictly enforced
The Cowes Yacht Club hope to provide an informative and invigorating sail training course and encourages all students to have fun, because that is what sailing is all about!
Come and join in a great family club environment. The whole family is welcome and encouraged to be involved with the many aspects of the sailing club.
|