Breathing new life into sailing

From the Echo, first published Thursday 16th Oct 2003.

Poole Yacht club has one of the most active youth groups in the country realising that without new blood a club can quickly stagnate and suffer the fate of waning enthusiasm not only in the racing classes but from volunteers who have been volunteering a bit too often.

Realising this, as soon as children reach the tender age of eight they are entered into a carefully profiled training scheme run along RYA guidelines, with a strong emphasis on safety, self reliance and above all having a good time.

"Give me the boy when he is eight and I will show you the man" may not be politically correct these days but many who have seen the youngsters go through the scheme have a wry smile on their lips when they see them step up to collect their trophy for this or that event, remembering when they were having their first familiarisation with an Optimist dinghy in the swimming baths at Hamworthy school.

The idea being to remove any fear of being underneath an upturned dinghy, where so often misplaced panic would turn a normal racing spill into a drama were it not for this fun session.

You only have to look at the many trophies in the PYC cabinet to chart the success of many who have done their time in the system and are now world class sailors.

Teaching children to be racing sailors is not like pressuring a young one into piano lessons, these children thrive on it from day one, such is the system that success and winning at many different levels is easily attainable (unlike getting to the Albert Hall).

All credit to the many sailing instructors and helpers at Poole, 25 approximately helping afloat and ashore, who give their time so freely to make it happen.

There are many entry levels for all age groups and all abilities from eight to eighteen with training starting in April and structured so that each level will reach a particular goal by the end of the season and enter the club's Youth Regatta at that level.

Although this recent event was the finale for some after a seasons training, for many it is their final regatta of their summer racing season.

These racing sailors have been "on the circuit" since the spring with many will be on RYA training weekends in the winter to hone their already razor sharp skills.

So many of these now represent the club at national level.

Approximately 80 Poole youngsters were present at the club's junior prizegiving last week with the majority collecting RYA stage 1,2 or 3 certificates.

Chris Atherton, South and South West RYA High Performance Manager presented trophies and certificates.

Joshua Rumbol received a trophy for being top Cadet. "I am really chuffed seeing the past names on the cup are my heroes!" Josh enthused.

Joshua and his crew Tom Davidson have recently been selected for the Mirror National Squad (Team GBR) by the RYA.

This being the top 12 boats in the UK, assessed on results over the year, and equally important apart from obvious ability, consideration is given to attitude, commitment and effort.

These 24 youngsters now receive really in depth attention throughout the winter by professional RYA coaches, who focus on all aspects of being a top athlete, that is, mind and body as well as sailing ability.

They are also schooled in the art of being part of a national team and the necessary ambassador skills that requires.

Matthew Rainback was awarded Commodore's Trophy for best Junior racer this season recognising his achievements at events in this country and abroad.

Matthew, who has also made the National squad, this time in an Optimist, helmed a 420 for the first time at a 420 open event last week with dad Colin as crew and achieved 17th which considering he is just 12 is remarkable.

James and Edward Kitt picked up the Turbo Service International endeavour award and a cheque for £50.

Tim Lees managed to pass all three levels in his optimist in the one season and collected a trophy to recognise this achievement.

Jonathon House picked up a trophy for best improved optimist sailor.

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