Newhaven Yacht Club
Buddy Sailing with Newhaven Yacht Club
The Buddy Sailing scheme was set up in 2002 by a former committee member, Barbara Brooks, to attract people new to boating, or with some limited experience, with the idea that they would be able to sail with our members boats and gain enough experience to either get their own boat, or become regular crew with the club. Some of the club's skippers to take out "buddy sailors" to give them an introduction to sailing and boat handling. The instruction is informal, and will cover all points of safety on a boat, eg: lifejackets, harnesses, flares, vhf radio, where the first aid kit and fire extinguishers are located, as well as how to hang fenders, handling shore lines, starting the engine, hoisting and lowering sails, and, of course, sailing the boat. Once a buddy sailor has enjoyed a sail or two, and assuming they want to continue, they would be expected to join the club.
Buddy sailors are introduced to boating in good and safe conditions for their first sail. They will be asked to wear warm clothing (it can be cool out there, even in summer) and some soft light coloured sole shoes that will provide grip on deck. Skippers usually have spare lifejackets and wet weather gear for crew use. We do not expect buddy sailors to pay out for clothing and equipment until they are sure that they want to take up the sport.
As time passes, we would expect those who progress with the sport to go out with their skippers in varying conditions, but not in any dangerous condiitions - we always cancel an event if the forcast indicates potentially unsafe sea conditions. Several of our buddy sailors have now begun to enjoy the longer rallies along the coast, and even across the Channel. A few buddy sailors have gone on to become boat owners, and one has passed the RYA Yachtmaster Exam and achieved RYA Qualified Instructor status and is now able to run RYA courses for the club. Come and join us and see what you have been missing!! To arrange a trial sail, contact Mark Blakey on 07880 528874 or email Mark at mark.blakey1@btinternet.com
Page last updated: 28/09/2009 11:40:56 AM