The past few sailing sessions have given us the chance to learn new skills, and solidify old.
We followed a triangular course, tacking round buoys (maybe occasionally missing them!) and learning how the wind direction affects our sail position. The best part of it all, hands down, was the capsize drill. It was the hottest Saturday of the year, and our job was to tip the boat into the water. Just having that moment to float in the reservoir was lovely! Then came the hard bit – tipping the boat upright again. I had the first go, swimming round the boat to where the centre board was sticking out. With all my strength I koala-cuddled the board, pulling with a rope to try and pull it back over. After about ten minutes of struggles, the power boat team realised Courtney was hanging onto the other side, and I eventually managed to right the boat. Courtney managed it straight away. Not because she’s stronger or anything.
Following that, we got dried and dressed, put the boat away, and were awarded with our RYA2 certificates! We are definitely not ready for the high seas just yet, but we are proud to have achieved this! We look forward to helping out at future sailing days and unit sailing sessions, and we wish those starting their sailing journey the best of luck. Until next time, bye for now!
Alura-Rose and Courtney x
Girlguiding Somerset county 