WEST Wilts Youth Sailing Association, which is based at a lake in Westbury, has cautiously opened up since lockdown was eased.
The club report, “We started with the model yachting members testing our facilities and staying socially distant in the pre-marked areas along the lake shore. As they all have their own model yachts this was the obvious place to start. They were instructed to bring their own chairs and refreshments and enjoyed catching up with their friends again – new members always welcomed.
“This success gave us confidence to invite some of the more competent youth sailors to get back into boats and have some fun on the water. We have had small groups using the lake weekly, while requesting their families support the children more than normal by helping them to rig and de-rig their boats. This has enabled everyone to remain socially distant, while offering supervision and rescue boat cover if needed. We plan to continue this activity for our youngsters who currently hold a RYA stage 3 certificate, or higher, until the end of the season.
“Adults are also welcome at WWYSA and every year we offer an adult sailing course over four Saturdays in September/October. This course covers the RYA syllabus for the level 1 and 2 of the adult programme and most candidates pass both levels in the four days.
“Have you spent lockdown frustrated with not being able to get out and then had holiday plans changed for you? Why not take on a different challenge and learn to sail then? If this sounds interesting please email secretary@wwysa.org.uk for more information.
“Following the RYA guidelines, we are not able to offer any sailing to children without the stage 3 qualification due to Covid-19 restrictions and we are not expecting this to change in the near future. If you would like your child added to our waiting list for the 2021 season please email as above and we can keep in contact.”
