Have a go

Have a go Make 2020 the year you do something different…

Woolverstone Marina-based Shearwater Sailing School has had to cancel its spring and early-summer RYA-accredited sailing courses due to the Coronavirus. However, Principal Mark Lewis and instructor Tom are offering a way for sailors and novices alike to brush up on some key skills while confined to quarters – a series of videos offering ‘quick lessons’ on subjects such as springing off, tying up, and lowering the mainsail. Shearwater’s classroom-based RYA theory courses run over the autumn and winter. • www.shearwatersailingschool.co.uk

Keen to try an open water swim but not sure how to start? The John West Great East Swim is due to take place at Suffolk’s Alton Water on 20 June, with distances ranging from 250m to 10k. Ideal for new or nervous swimmers, families, and children aged eight and over, the shorter courses offer an opportunity to – literally! – test the water and get a feel for swimming in the great outdoors. • Numbers are limited and this event could be affected by the COVID-19 crisis, so check www.greatrun.org/great-swim for updates. Catamaran training is included in the sailing programme at Viking Mariners, a business that’s been operating on the historic waterfront in Ipswich since 2008. Comprised of a team of accomplished sailors, the company was formed by Lee Weavers and Sue Clark to provide unforgettable experiences while exploring the Suffolk rivers and East Coast on board sailing yacht Viking Blue. More recently catamaran Alchemy (below) has joined the Viking Mariners fleet. Lee says: “In the last few years, we introduced catamaran training to our offerings due to the increasing popularity of catamaran holiday chartering; so far, this has proved very popular.” Catamaran familiarisation days are scheduled throughout the year, with specific RYA course dates allocated to training on board this vessel. Alchemy will also fulfill Viking Mariner’s busy schedule of leisure sails, while Sue and Lee embark on a new adventure setting sail towards the Mediterranean on board Viking Blue. •www.vikingmariners.co.uk