Today is National Start Something Day in South Africa, and a fresh faced group of novice sailors arrived at the sailing centre for their first experience of being on a boat and learning to sail. The teachers and the principal came to support them; as they learnt about safety on the grounds, on the water and had a tour of their new playground for the upcoming school term.
It was a perfect day for being introduced to sailing and hopping on a boat for the first time. The vlei had been calm, still and like glass all morning until a light breeze came through at lunch time. The sun was shining, and the birds were still chirping their spring tunes; as they dipped and dived between the reeds and flew back up into the branches. With Table Mountain as always hugging the skyline; the children were in awe of the new playground they had arrived at, and the potential future this new sport may bring them.
As the children poured out of the taxi and came into the classroom; they were shy and expectant. Morne and Ryan; our centre’s coaches soon had them relaxed as they started the important safety training of showing them how to use life jackets and put them on. There was a lot of anticipation and excitement as they ‘played’, put their jackets on and then the giggles started to happen. Morne’s analogy of ‘like wearing a marshmallow that floats’ was a great way to teach the safety basics. Ryan and Morne then began their tour of the centre and yacht club grounds with the children.
Prior to the children arriving, the boats were all rigged and ready for a sail. The learners were shown how to launch a boat; before all hopping in and being taken out by the coaches. The teachers and principal were all so keen and taking pictures for their memories and the school. The principal was extremely grateful for the opportunity for the school to take part in the ZVSC programme; as these children come from nothing. He was very proud as he watched the children clamber onto the boats and set sail.
New opportunities for our future South African youth sailors began today!
Zeekoevlei Sailing Centre 