YOUTH SAILING FOUNDATION NEWS

As the wintery lows roll through Adelaide, glimpses of sunshine remind us summer is not far off. With the onset of the warmer weather and the sailing season looming the Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) has been busy planning it’s inaugural season. Juggling COVID and lockdown situations, one of three instructor training courses has run with four instructors now qualified to deliver the Australian Sailing Keelboat Syllabus. Two further courses are scheduled bringing the growing instructor pool to twelve, 30% being female. Once the group has been established additional on-water practice will occur allowing the group to gain insights into the handling and characteristics of the Elliotts, ensuring high quality training. The YSF will kick off the 2021 sailing season with the Australian Sailing Keelboat Program in conjunction with the YSF Summer Squad. Australian Sailing Keelboat programs offer training from beginner crewing through to spinnakers and racing aged from 16 upwards. Complementing the Marine Academy’s RYA cruising training, the AS Keelboat training focuses on the racing side. It will provide skilled sailors for racing members’ yachts, as well as training for future yacht owners and new members at the Club. On the youth side, the initial Summer Squad training is programmed to maximise sailing participation along the coast and avoid clashing with other events and regattas. Transitioning in April 2022, YSF Winter Development Squads commence and continue the training pathways allowing Squad sailors to refine their skills. As these squads evolve the YSF aims to send teams representing the CYCSA to interstate and national competitions. Although we have been fortunate here in South Australia we haven’t escaped the ever-changing implications COVID has made worldwide. At the time of writing the fleet is currently in transit from China. By the time this is hot off the press the Elliott fleet will have commenced the commissioning process and will be close to hitting the water. Exciting times ahead!

Dale Geddes YSF Head Coach

Our fleet, awaiting final inspection prior to preparing for shipping

Photo by Down Under Sail