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A Youth Sailing Programme at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club (GHYC) is underway again with students from Whangaparaoa College’s newly-formed sailing club.
The course is an introduction to keel boat sailing and covers the basic skills necessary to keep them and other crew members safe while gaining an understanding of how and why boats are sailed.
Although health and safety are major topics, the students also learn about the basic mechanics and science of sailing a boat, the sport of sailboat racing, being a team member and learning to appreciate the marine environment.
GHYC member Mike Pignéguy says last, but definitely not least, is just learning to enjoy the art of sailing.
The course covers future employment possibilities within the marine industry such as becoming a professional sailor on superyachts, charter boats, local commercial vessels, the Merchant Navy and the RNZ Navy. There are also a host of other marine related industries such as sail making, marine electronics and engineering, and boat and ship design.
After students have completed the introductory course, they will be introduced to sailing on Gulf Harbour Yacht Club members’ boats and crewing during the club’s weekly races.
“Once these students get the sailing bug, a whole new world will open for them (and their families!),” Mike says.
