2014 was a great year for the Family and Improver days at Shoreham SC. Run over eight weekends by Gareth Grifiths and Kevin Headon, they provide a friendly, fun and safe opportunity for families and those looking for more practice, to get out on the water in the sheltered confines of Shoreham harbour.
There is a regular core of 15 boats (30 sailors), which peaked when we combined with the 3rd and 5th Lancing Sea Scouts and got over 100 young people on the water. The age range is huge, from 70 to 7 with grandparents using the opportunity to share their passion for sailing with the latest generation, but more often than not, it is parents getting out on the water with their kids.
Run at high tide, a typical session starts with a briefing, rigging and then some fun on the water, including some short races in the harbour. Each session ends with a BBQ at the club and a chance to unwind on the lawn.
In 2015 the plan is to run 10 sessions from May to October. This season we will be looking to further develop racing for the youngsters by building on skills like starting and mark rounding, without forgetting that we’re all here to have fun. The season will be rounded off with an end of year party.
I asked Gareth what his hilights were from 2014 at which there was an emphatic “seeing the kids win the races”.
The family and improver sessions for 2015 are as follows;
- Saturday, 25 Apr – 1500hrs
- Saturday, 09 May – 1300hrs
- Saturday, 23 May – 1300hrs
- Saturday, 06 Jun – 1300hrs
- Saturday, 20 Jun – 1300hrs
- Saturday, 04 Jul – 1200hrs
- Saturday, 18 Jul – 1200hrs
- Saturday, 05 Sep – 1500hrs
- Saturday, 19 Sep – 1300hrs
- Saturday, 03 Oct – 1300hrs