Sailing trains South Pacific volunteer officials

by Katrina Jocumsen on 8 Mar 2007 Seventeen members of the Samoan Sailing community participated in a Race Management Clinic last weekend at the Apia Yacht Club in the South Pacific' Samoa.

Funded by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and the South Pacific Games Authority (SPGA), the Clinic was designed to identify key people and their roles and responsibilities concerning race management, for the South Pacific Games.

ISAF appointed instructor, David Brookes, said attendees showed genuine commitment to race management, demonstrating a strong desire to deliver the ISAF worldwide standard of consistency, fairness, and quality.

'They now know what they need to achieve success for the SPG,' said Mr Brookes
'I am confident they will continue to work towards their goals and, as the host nation, deliver the highest possible standard of racing,' he said.
Samoan Sailing Association (SSA) President, Nynette Sass, said while the focus of the Games tends to be on the athletes, volunteers must not be forgotten.

'Essentially, it is our volunteers who will become our Sailing Officials for the Games,' said Ms Sass.

'By hosting this Clinic, we aim to give them an understanding of what is required, and a platform to build upon their skills,' she said.
Many of the participants felt the Clinic provided them with a good base understanding of how to work effectively as officials for Sailing during the SPG.

Participant Jordan Milroy said while initially feeling daunted about the work involved, he found the clinic to be very informative.

'I now feel much more confident about the training that needs to be carried out over the next few months,' said Mr Milroy.

Apia Yacht Club Vice-Commodore, Raema von Reiche, said the Clinic will serve to assist Samoa in the longer term.

'Hopefully post SPG we will be left with a well skilled group of people that will be available so we can host any Oceania event in the future,' said Ms von Reiche.

'This will assist us tremendously and open up more international competition for our sailors,' she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering their time to the Sailing Association for the South Pacific Games should contact SSA President Nynette Sass.