One of our primary goals was to launch a Junior Sailing Program with Optimist sailing dinghies. The first Junior Sailing Program ran in October 2009. Funded for the Junior Sailing Program has been raised by donations, the DMC, and from a small fee charged to the participating children. For 2012 there are 2 or 3 planned programs, each offering a fantastic 1-2 week competitive sailing course for children between 7 and 15 years of age. The programs will be run during the summer by a volunteer crew, including Hubert Winston, Billy Lawrence (instructor) and Adina James (coach). Children wishing to participate should be able to swim before they sail. There is a preparatory swimming course for children whose swimming skills are borderline. In the previous years there have been 6 to 12 students attending each program, with two spotters and the instructors on hand. Children wear life jackets and their boats carry flotation devices. Sailing is a great leveler and this is of real benefit to the children. They discover the true joy of sailing, and they learn to improve their physical skills. Learning to sail builds confidence and self-reliance, develops the mental faculties and keeps the children fit. It instills values such as sportsmanship and respect for the sea, improves balance and coordination and is a good opportunity to make new friends.
Hubert J. Winston (Dominica Marine Center & founding member of the DYC steering committee) +1 767 448 2705 or 275 2851 info@dominicamarinecenter.com • www.dominicayachtclub.com or also contact William ‘Billy’ Lawrence at ALDive +1 767 440-DIVE (3483) or 275 3483 • aldive.watersports@gmail.com
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To book a child’s place and for further information on the Junior Sailing Program or the Dominica Yacht Club (DYC) contact:
For more information on Optimist sailing see: www.optiworld.org 53