Sailing TO SUCCESS
Steve Hegerstrom, chairman of KZN Sailing, and his team have announced some exciting projects and events over the next few months.
“We have identified a shortage of qualified race officers in our sport and have embarked on a training programme to roll out to all KZN clubs,” he says.
Henley Midmar Yacht Club hosted the first two-day race officers’ course, which was well attended by enthusiastic volunteers. The plan is to upskill officers to eventually run regional and national championship events.
During September and October, SA Sailing will facilitate high performance sailing training with our future youth stars that will be competing in the 75th National Championships at Stilbaai Yacht Club on the Vaal Dam in December.
The goal is to get our KZN youth on the podium at the youth nationals.
A formidable coaching team has been put together, which will include local sailors that have won regional and national championships, as well as those who have competed in various world championships, to pass on skills and knowledge to our future stars.
Henley Midmar Yacht Club will be hosting the following events:
• Dart Class Nationals and
Hunter Class Regional Championships from September 24 to 25;
• Soling Class Regionals from October 22 to 23 October; and
• The Soling and Flying 15 Nationals in December to coincide with the SA Sailing 75th National sailing regatta.
We are also excited to add a new Youth Grandslam event to the sailing calendar, which will be held on October 15 and 16 to encourage inclusion and diversity in sailing and to serve as a training event for the next youth nationals. Email contact info@sailing.org.za or hmyc@iuncapped.co.za for further details.
The next learn-to-sail camps are scheduled for October 4 to 7, December 20 to 23 and January 3 to 6. Contact Alistair Clulow at 084 580 0269 for more information.
There are currently 229 members at HMYC, many of whom give tirelessly to improve the club facilities and contribute to sharing their sailing skills.
Members come from as far afield as Hillcrest and Durban to enjoy the clean water and club facilities. On August 7, the annual general meeting and prize-giving gave recognition to many who have both sailed and supported sailing over the past year at the club.
Vice Commodore for Youth at HMYC, Alistair Clulow, shared the following insights in his youth 2021/22 year report at the meeting: The HMYC has a proud history of producing fine young sailors.
“Some go on to sail nationally and internationally. Some learn the art of sailing for relaxation and social sailing, while for others it becomes a ticket to travel, work and experience the world.
“I am convinced that learning to sail in your youth, equips you for the world out there like nothing else. It’s physical, mental and emotional.
“You may feel the success of achievement and speed one moment and then be humbled by a wind-change the next. It’s unfair sometimes, and frustrating. But it is in times of adversity and struggle that we grow the most.
“By giving your kids the opportunity to sail, you give them the outdoors, friends, knot tying skills, knowledge of trailers, fixing things, a love for everything stainless steel, an awareness of the weather, a sense of direction and a major advantage when it comes to their CV and abilities that are above and beyond the normal sheltered upbringing of youth today. You open a world of opportunity.”