Connells Point Sailing Club started their term 4 Junior Training Program on Saturday morning with beautiful SE breeze. A group of 8-14-year-olds are being introduced to sailing by instructors who are in their teens and 20's. The Australian Sailing accredited courses provide a comprehensive introduction to the sport of dinghy sailing.

Club president Karen Branch said the course includes fun activities on and off the water. "Connells Point Sailing Club is a volunteer run sailing club, providing dinghy racing, training and social activities for the community," Karen said. "The club provides training in Australian Sailing accredited programs from beginner to intermediate sailing."

"Younger sailors are mentored by experienced sailors and accredited training. The sailing club is proud of the instructors who range from ages 14 to adult. Many of the instructors learnt to sail at Connells Point Sailing Club and have gained qualifications to pass on the love of the sport of sailing."

Karen said, during the October school holidays, an adventure camp was held to teach new and experienced sailors racing and sailing skills. "Across the year, the club also hosts Try Sailing Day, which was held on September 22 in conjunction with the market day, and CPSC took 50 community members for an on-water experience with the volunteers at the sailing club," she said.

"Dinghy racing is held on Saturday afternoons with a start time of 2pm. All are welcome to race in short sailing races on the Georges River with safety boat cover on the water." In 2023, six young sailors from the club competed in the 2023 Mirror Dingy World Titles in Sligo, Ireland. The crews of the dinghy were aged 9-14 and sailed with their parents against other teenagers and adults.

Several of the teenagers are now taking over the helm and will be competing in the National Titles in January 2025 in Weta Trimaran and Mirror Dinghy titles.

Karen said another exciting program to look out for was the 'She Sails' Day, which is for those who have not tried sailing. It will be held in early 2025. "Women will be given an opportunity to try their hand at crewing and skippering the club's sailing dinghies," she said.

"The upcoming school holidays will have a fun packed holiday program to help our juniors learn to love the sport of sailing."

SCULPTURE EXPO

Connells Point Sailing Club is hosting the sculpture exhibition 'HELD' by Keith Chidzey, which opened on Saturday and runs until November 3, from 10am-4pm.

The exhibition highlights mental health and is supporting RUOK, Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute.

Author - Murray Trembath
https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8804012/connells-point-sailing-clubs-junior-training-program-kicks-off/