The All Afloat pilot programme took place at 3 locations in West Wales, each offering different groups the opportunity to try out sailing and boating activities. Over the summer, children from across West Wales took part in paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.
Location – PPSA
In early July, 6x youth sailing scheme Level 1 courses were organised for a group of Muslim girls from Milford Haven Mosque. The girls provided excellent feedback, with 3 returning for further evening and Saturday training sessions. We were really pleased when 2 of the girls went onto to achieve their stage 2 certificate. Well done ladies!
In addition, 10x RYA level 1 in Dinghy sailing courses were organised through a local sport development partnership. Again, these courses were well received. With assistance from local instructors to coach them around the race course, a number of participants going on to compete in the Club Youth Race Circuit.
Location – West Wales Watersports
6 Young people from Fenton School attended an RYA stage 1 sailing course. We’re pleased to say that all 6 of those young people became members of Dale YC. Each of them went on to regularly attend evening sessions for 12 weeks, going on to achieve their RYA stage 2 certificates.
5 Young people from the stage 1 course attended the Acorn Llangorse sailing regatta. One young person transitioned into windsurfing, with another winning an award.
West Wales staged a regional “All Afloat” regatta event in August, all new season starters from local yacht clubs were invited to join. We received a large response, with 27 sailors from the region attending.
Out of the introduction sessions, 2 sailors attended the 2017 Welsh Zones Championships in Fishguard.
One female sailor has been sponsored to sail in a winter programme laid on at PPSA. She is progressing well and will be signed off for “sailing with spinnakers” soon. Da Iawn!
Location – Cardigan Bay Watersports
In Cardigan Bay, 22 young people from New Quay primary school took part in multi activities on the water. The young people got the chance to try out paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.
Out of this group, 12 young people took part in their Youth Sailing stage 1 certificate. Following on from this, 11 went on to complete their stage 2 qualification. Not wishing to stop there, 8 young people went on to attend two race training sessions. 3 Young people took part in the first session, followed by another 5 at the second session.
3 of these young people entered in the last 2 of a 4 Saturday series New Quay yacht club event. Putting the skills they learnt at the stage 1 & 2 and the race skills sessions to good use, we’re proud to say they held their own within 2×45 minute races with adults! Well done team!
