Sailing day announced great success
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LOCH Shin Sailing Club’s first ever training course has been hailed as a great success.
The five-day course was well supported by 12 enthusiastic, youngsters aged from eight to 15.
Participants came from across Sutherland and one from as far afield as Hamburg, Germany.
The course was led by Royal Yachting Association senior instructor Paul Sleeman, assisted by two young trainee instructors, Victoria Smith and Medi Newman, both Lairg.
A number of the young sailors began the week as complete novices but were soon sailing with confidence and skill.
Those with previous sailing experience benefited hugely
from the intensive coaching sessions.
One of the most important skills taught was how to capsize and right dinghies safely. This activity was especially appealing thanks to the superb weather and warm water temperatures.
Having spent the first four days on Little Loch Shin, the week culminated in a day on Loch Shin, enabling participants to experience the excitement of sailing on a large expanse of water.
Lairg Angling Club gave permission for the fleet to be launched at its slipway, A secluded beach was the perfect setting for a picnic lunch and games before the return voyage.
Loch Shin Sailing Club was able to offer this course thanks to funding from Lairg wind farm which was used to ensure the fleet was seaworthy and the purchase a range of buoyancy aids, wet suits and safety equipment.
The club is shortly to take possession of a new rigid inflatable safety boat, and two Topper Omega training boats, bought with wind farm benefit funding. It is planned to display these at a celebration open day and barbeque.
Loch Shin Sailing Club welcomes new members and guests. For further information contact Mike Newman 01549 402023 or Wendy Irving 01549 402780.
