Hurry up Springtime!
As I write this, Storm Jocelyn is bearing down on the UK and the Outdoor Education team are busy tying boats down as opposed to being out on the water
It feels like a long time ago that we were sailing in shorts and t-shirts in the late summer sun.
Our sailing season runs during the Autumn term, before restarting again at Easter. With our sailing base being quite high (Llyn Brenig Sailing Club has the distinction of being the highest sailing club in the UK) we are often not short of wind, but it comes with the price of being quite cold, and so sailing in the winter can become a suffer-fest rather than an enjoyable learning experience! It is best left to the warmer months.
The sailing we had during Autumn was fantastic, and we used sailing in two separate ways. The curriculum outdoor education days use sailing as a vehicle to develop life skills such as communication, perseverance and problem solving (as well as learning the basics of sailing), and Years 7-10 all had the opportunity to participate as part of their lessons (those who did not will do so in the Spring and Summer terms).
Our weekend provision caters for those who wish to learn to sail or develop their skills towards RYA certificates.
Almost every one of our weekend sailing lessons was full, and we were able to issue a good selection of RYA National Sailing Scheme certificates as well as RYA Youth Sailing Scheme certificates. Well done to those who gained one!
As the sailing was slowing down, powerboat training started up. Using our two rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) 12 pupils obtained their RYA Level 2 powerboat handling certificates, showing they possess the skills to operate a powerboat safely.
We will start sailing again in March, and weekend sailing shortly after. In the meantime, don't get blown away by this wind, and have a thought for those mariners who are out experiencing this storm on the sea...must be quite an experience.
