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Junior Sailing |
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by Caroline Burke |
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Dear Sailor & Parents,
Now that the dark evenings are upon us and our thoughts have turned towards the approaching Christmas season, hopefully all your boats have been taken home from the Dinghy Park, (not the place for them to deteriorate, devalue, and perhaps be damaged by some possible storms) and put to bed nicely for the winter months.
Both Graeme and I hope that you all had a good fun time sailing at Howth Yacht Club this summer, and of course we are really looking forward to you returning in the springtime again. Easter is traditionally the kick-off to start sailing again, and it will be quite early next year, so not too long to wait.
We have already planned an exciting program for all level of sailors, I have enclosed the I.S.A. 2012 Sailing course Program, it will give you the opportunity to see what courses we will be offering, and to determine what course exactly will be appropriate to you, while also giving you the opportunity to plan your holiday arrangements and perhaps Irish College. It is expected that the courses will fill up quickly next year, and to be fair to everyone, we decided to make the timetable available now, and to accept bookings from mid-February. Watch the HYC website for exact details.
Sailing is a lifelong skill and it is important for everyone, both parents & juniors to understand that completing an ISA course is only the start of the process, to sail properly and confidently and to enhance your skill, time on the water after the course is the most important part of the process.
When progressing through your levels, we will be keeping a track of how much sailing and club racing you have been doing. For example Graeme recommends that to move up from Basic Skills to Improving Skills at least 15 - 20 hours on the water would be required. To progress to Advanced Boat Handling level, (two handed boat is required) quite a lot of skill is necessary - spinnaker work, sailing in quite windy conditions etc. We recognise at Howth that sometimes this is too big a jump for an 11/12yr old, so Graeme has introduced a H.Y.C. Optimist Advanced Boat Handling Course, the content is tailored to suit a sailor in an optimist, yet giving them total boat handling skills and confidence to sail in all conditions.
Next year we hope to have another club boat - thanks to all the hard work of the junior fundraising committee - to enable us to increase the size of the Kites & Wires Course, the more who participate on this course the better thrills and fun for all.
That's just about it -
Remember Santa clause is good and now is the time to put that piece of sailing gear you always wanted onto your list, not sure if he will run to a new boat though! But you could always try!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out this year; the Junior Section is the most important part of the club, the foundation and bedrock for all members.
I WILL need lots of help next year, please feel free to contact me through the office.
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About Protests
by Emmet Dalton
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Click below for a slideshow given to the Optimists by Emmet Dalton.
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About Protests >>
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