Wakatere launches new Two-handed sailing and ownership program

by Richard Gladwell on 13 Nov 2013
Wakatere Boating Club, one of New Zealand's top small boat clubs and with a long-standing reputation in singlehanded and two handed sailing has broken new ground with the launch of a six boat program using RS Fevas.

Purchased with grant funding, the Fevas will be offered as a learn to sail option alongside the Club's existing program with Optimists. The club has a close relationship with Waterwise, also based at the Club, and drawing on a wide catchment of children between 10-12 who are given six sessions in Optimist type boats. Those who wish to continue in the sport from Waterwise, or who come from other programs then start one of the Club coaching programs.

The Feva based two-handed option will start with a Learn to Sail program, during the week, and will continue on Sunday mornings into the Confidence group, where they will again sail Fevas as a second option to Optimist and other classes.

When they start racing, crews will be able to charter a Feva for six months at a time, and will race and be coached as a group. The Club retains ownership of the boats across all groups and uses, meaning that for up to two years years parents are able to have sailors participating in learn to sail, coaching and racing without the outlay of boat ownership.

The intention is to progress sailors through to the Youth and Olympic classes without having to invest in a boat in their younger years. The boats will also be used for Match racing, Teams Racing and Adult Destination sailing.

Support was provided by Victoria Cruising Club for the lifejackets, with the major grant for boat acquisition being provided by Lotto.