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| Member - I.O.D.A. | Member - U.S.O.D.A |
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE 2008 SUMMER PROGRAM
THE SAILING SCHOOL
The Anguilla Sailing Association has acquired a building in Sandy Ground that will accommodate classroom and safe storage for the boats. This building is right on the beach and is ideal for the purpose.
The ASA Building, Sandy Ground
Initially, the school will offer basic courses in boat handling and maintenance, seamanship, life saving and first aid to approximately 16
children per session from age seven - 15. The courses shall follow the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) curriculum. The Anguilla sailing Association is a member of
both IODA and USODA.
The IODA is the world controlling body for this class of boats. 60 % of medal winners at the Athens Olympics began their sailing careers in this program. A fourteen year old child from Trinidad this year came an astonishing seventh in the Optimist World Championships, ample proof of what can be achieved. These courses shall also attempt to engender the discipline and responsibility required of young people.
As the children become more experienced we will run frequent mini regattas for them both here in Anguilla and St. Maarten. Programs will be designed so that children may pass tests at various levels and progress onwards and eventually graduate to larger and more demanding vessels with a view to representing Anguilla in international sailing events.
WHY SAILING?
What is your child going to do in his / her free time? Sit in front of the computer? Go for nice long walks? Help in the garden?
Sailing has much to offer. Sadly man’s old enemy the water is often a lot safer these days than what man has made of the streets.
All sorts and sizes of people sail. You don’t have to be taller, stronger, thinner or initially fitter than the average. Boys and girls have the same capability.
This is not an exclusive world. 40% of the world’s top sailors have parents who do not sail themselves.
WHY THE OPTIMIST?
The boat looks funny doesn’t it. But when Clark Mills designed the boat 56 years ago he knew a thing or two about kids.
It doesn’t tip over! Beginners easily learn to balance themselves, the wind and the boat. It can’t run away with you! Let out the only rope and the boat will just sit there. The more water gets in the less it moves. And it can’t sink.
Being alone in the boat is the quickest way to learn. Imagine trying to learn to ride a bicycle on a tandem with daddy!
You quickly learn from your own mistakes and gain that essential of sailing – and perhaps life – responsibility for your own decisions.
LOCATION
On the beach at Sandy Ground close to the Pumphouse Restaurant.
FACILITIES
The building comprises two rooms and a bathroom. The main rooms shall be used as classroom
and secure indoor storage. Outside there is a fenced area for boat storage.
EQUIPMENT
Eight Optimist sailing dinghies – new
Safety equipment – life jackets etc
2 x Boat dollies
1 x RIB with outboard
For more information, or to learn how to enroll your school aged child in the Sailing School, just send an email to The Anguilla Sailing Association - aysc_at_sailanguilla.com