Stromness Sailing

Over the summer, a small and keen group of young folk have been receiving weekly sail training in Toppers from RYA Instructor Mark Taylor of Stromness SC, supported by experienced fellow Stromness SC member, Ian Johnstone. At the end of the period Ed Johnstone, Nathan Omand, Aidan Morrison, Eilidh Leiper and Griogair Morrison were assessed for the RYA Youth Beginners Course Stage 2 certificate by RYA Principal Instructor, Brian Kynock, and RYA Senior Instructor, Peter Diamond, both from Orkney SC.

The assessment test covered both onshore and on the water tasks. Onshore they had to demonstrate that they could tie a reef knot and a round turn and two half hitches; name parts of the boat; identify appropriate clothing to wear for sailing in different conditions; show that they understood the port and starboard rule; and rig their boats ready for sailing. The on the water part of the assessment included: launching their boats; sailing a triangular course showing boat handling skills on all points of sailing; returning to shore; and de-rigging their boats. All five completed the assessment successfully - congratulations. It is hoped that next year they will go on to train for the RYA Adult Level 2 as well as taking part in club sailing and building on the experience they have gained.

Many thanks to Mark Taylor and Ian Johnstone for giving up their own competitive sailing over the summer in order to devote more time to the youth training and to Brian Kynoch and Peter Diamond for carrying out the assessment.

Isobel Tipler