Tackers Sail Training Program Melbourne Victoria Australia
Program 1, Week 4, 14 March 2009
Storm was coming
When we arrived this week, we could see the storm coming!!! There were several tell-tale signs:
. a dark line in the clouds
. distinctive cloud formations
. dark water
. a bad weather forecast
. an offshore breeze that we knew would change with the wind and rain front coming in
So with the water surface pretty smooth and the wind quite good, we decided to get a very quick sail in, close to shore, before the bad weather arrived. It was especially helpful to have parents in the water to help out and two rubber duckies not far away to give some extra advice.
Sailing tips
It was a perfect opportunity to notice:
. that the centreboard hits the bottom in shallow water
. that you can still capsize in flat water
. that you need to watch out for other boats
. that if you sit too far forward, the boat will nose dive
. there is still more to learn about sailing!
Short time
In fact sailors would normally love to be out in these conditions. Harrison was out there in his boat planing (going very fast) but of course SAFETY is our main concern, so we had to come in and wash and pack up the boats before the storm hit.
Storm
It was really WILD. Wind, rain, thunder, lightening and a sudden drop in temperature! Some other boats outdoors even blew off their trailer!
Checking the weather forecast, the sky and the horizon are essential before going out on the water.
Tied up in knots
After morning tea, half of the group went into the Long Room to learn the reef knot, the bow line and half hitches with Andy and Richard.
Check out these links:
http://www.iwillknot.com/figure_8/
http://www.iwillknot.com/bowline/
http://www.iwillknot.com/half-hitch/
Joshua enjoyed this activity so much that he has taken some rope home to show us three new knots next week.
Exercise can be fun!
Peter took the rest of the Tackers into the clubhouse to do some warm up and then stretching exercises before the 'puzzle of the plates.'
It was then time to swap groups and do the ropes/exercises.
Meanwhile, Blair and Isabella had an opportunity to use the sailing simulator.
Extra activities
We still have some Tackers who have not been out on the rubber ducky or capsized - so let's hope you have a turn next week!
Sausage sizzle
We missed that this week - but I would like to see some volunteers for this on our last week - Saturday 18th April 2009. Please let me know if you can assist.
Car parking
There will be extra boats at the club next week (21st March which is also Harmony Day http://www.harmony.gov.au - if you have something orange, please wear it!) and on 18th April as the club is hosting sailing titles for Lasers and Tasars.
You can park in the car park in the morning but if you would like to stay past 11:30am, please move your car to a place outside the Mordialloc Sailing club car park.
Extra sailing practice
We are currently negotiating with Yachting Victoria and the Mordialloc Sailing Club to find some extra time to practice sailing for the Tackers. It could be either:
. after Tackers on Saturday mornings
. during the school holidays
. during the rest of the year
And could involve either one-on-one coaching, sailing in other boats or more time in the OziOpti's with Tackers either on their own or with more experienced sailors (but not their own parent!).
We would also like to consider some social occasions - fun days/nights at the club, sleepovers, camps etc. Tell us what you would like and we will see what we can do!
Thanks for your help this week
Lots of people to thank this week - Sue, Peter, Richard and Brendan in the water, Martin on the simulator, Peter for the games, Richard for the knots and Debra on the phone camera, Hamish and Andy on the rubber duckies.
Thanks also to other Mordialloc Sailing Club members who are always volunteering around the club in many roles (especially the canteen that stocks great food).
Wetsuits and fingerless gloves
Megan tells me that wetsuits are on sale at Osmosis at Southland for $39.95 - so if you would like to buy one, I recommend that you get one a size too big (with extra length in the body mainly) so that it will last a bit longer as you grow.
You may also like to visit a bike shop or sailing shop and buy some fingerless gloves. These can be helpful if you are holding on to the main sheet for a long time and they will give your hands some extra protection when they are wet.
Alternatively, you can buy a small pair of rubber gloves and cut off the top end of the fingers (before you put them on!!!).
Bring next week
Please bring with you next week:
. your Tackers Hat, Shirt, Drink Bottle (with water)
. a change of clothes to wear after your shower and a towel (I suggest you wear your Tackers shirt after sailing and your rashy/wetsuit/jumper out sailing)
. shoes you can get wet (crocs, surf shoes, old runners)
. fruit to share for morning tea
. a plastic garbage bag to put your wet clothes in and a comb for your hair
. a wetsuit or some warmer clothes to wear and a spray jacket
. fingerless gloves (if you can)
Wind, rain or cooler weather
The Tackers Sail Training will be on each week - even if the weather is windy, cool or raining!
If it is not suitable to go sailing on the water, we will still do other activities on the beach and in the clubhouse so that you can continue to learn how to sail.
We want you to have time with the boats and have FUN.
See you bright and early at 8:30am on Saturday!
Sue, Hamish and Andy
Instructors 'Tackers' Sailing Program
Mordialloc Sailing Club
Sue Ellson
9888 6480 or 0402 243 271
sueellson@yahoo.com.au
Hamish 0448 968 085
Andy 0425 364 055
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