Tackers Sail Training Program Melbourne Victoria Australia
Program 1, Week 5, 21 March 2009 - Harmony Day
It was very flat and hardly a breath of wind when we arrived this week - but we knew that a stronger breeze was on its way, so it was time to get onto the water as soon as possible.
Thanks for your help this week
Richard, Peter and Sean helping out on the shore and in the water and Sue on the BBQ (she must be a mind reader).
Thanks also to other Mordialloc Sailing Club members who make this program possible. We also had two extra siblings on the rubber duckies - thanks Jordan and Courtney - we hope you enjoyed the ride!
On shore briefing
After last week's 'dodgem cars' we decided that this week we would sail a 'port' course (the buoy to the left of the boat as it was passed) to help everyone know where to go.
Hamish suggested a reaching course to begin with - but some Tackers ended up reaching the front of their boat and sitting up just for the ride! Other Tackers jumped OUT of their boat for a swim (not advised).
But as far as we know, everyone had a chance to both be a skipper and crew.
Capsizing
Some Tackers had another chance to capsize (it is fun to get wet isn't it?). One boat went full turtle.
We did see some body parts outside of the boat and this is very dangerous when you are next to other boats - watch those fingers!
Wind came in
After a lot of fun stuff, the wind picked up so Hamish set a full triangle course. The wind was offshore and then it became quite strong so it was time to come back in.
Alas some skippers and crews couldn't quite work out how to tack back into shore, so they were towed in with Andy, Courtney and Jordan. Sue jumped into one boat and helped sail it back in.
It was VERY pleasing to see the other boats sail back to shore - well done!
Wash down and pack up
Some Tackers did get a little bit cold by the time they came in - but the boats still needed to be washed down and packed up. We really would encourage all Tackers to wear wetsuits and shoes out sailing - as well as a spray jacket. Hats need to be tied on (apparently Noah lost his - we all know that if it falls in the water and it sinks, that will be the last you see of it!)
There was a mysterious croc shoe floating in the water at one stage...when you are all more competent at steering your boats, we will have some fun activities for you to try (including retrieving floating balls).
Harmony Day
Back in the Long Room we heard from Patrick about how his school celebrated Harmony Day the day before. He was wearing a really cool orange shirt and everyone shared badges, stickers and tattoos to pass the Harmony message on to others - 'everyone belongs.'
We also had some free posters and stickers from Ronstan.
Our briefing was just that - very brief! When the weather is good, we spend most of our time on the water sailing. Next week Sue would like to spend some time with individual Tackers (provided the weather is okay) and the remaining Tackers will get through some theory.
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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