Sailing stars of future put through paces at Bosham

From October to March six sessions have been scheduled and to date five have been completed. The training has helped the youngsters hone their racing skills in advance of the summer racing season in a safe and fun environment.

The sessions have covered skills such as starting, buoy rounding, racing rules, light weather sailing and extreme wind sailing.

The latest session involved the youngsters going out in wind gusting force seven, all sailing in the sheltered Cutmill area that Bosham offers. At the end of the day, the youngsters made it off the water in time to watch the end of the rugby.

Head coach Andy Kerr said: “Bosham offers some of the best conditions for youngsters to improve their sailing and racing skills. It is one of my favourite clubs and I’m delighted to be running the winter training there for the third year running.

“ I was really impressed with how the children dealt with the high level of wind and all came off the water smiling and laughing, which is what sailing should all be about.”

Katherine Rose, incoming rear commodore of cadets at Bosham SC, said: “Bosham Sailing Club is thrilled to be offering such a high level of training to aspiring young sailors.

“Bosham is truly unique in catering to those serious sailors who want to grow into competitive regional and national sailors, to those that just want to have fun on the water.”

Pippa Shepherd, aged nine, said: “I was a bit scared going out in such windy conditions but it was really exhilarating. I love sailing as you use your body and your brain and make great friends. The sailing at Bosham is really fun and I love it.”

Bosham SC has an active training, racing and social programme for cadets aged under 21 with dinghies sailed including Optimists, Toppers, Fevas, 420s and Lasers. For more information, please email [email protected]