Young Sail Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on 1 May 2003 Young female sailors from the Northern Beaches and North Shore dominate the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Clubs second annual Young Sail camp held over the Easter holidays.

All of the 25 sailors have grown up in Sabots, Manly Juniors, Flying Elevens and Optimists. There was a remarkable show of 16 girls and 9 boys all between 10-13 yrs. These sailors participated in a 3-day camp sailed in the RPAYC’s Elliott 5.9 fleet under the tutelage of Nicky Souter, a former Australian Champion in dinghy classes and recently invited team member of the contesting Australian Admiral’s Cup team Wild Oats.

The first day consisted of no wind and lots of rain. Good thing these kids love the water as day one mainly consisted of paddling and swimming races until the breeze came in - when it was time to go home! Everyone had an assignment to complete, some on basic Rules while others had to know where the Call Book is and what it is.

On the second day the breeze slightly increased as the 25 young stars did short races. Amy Lee proved that girls are better than boys as she won most of the races.

Tuesday afternoon was perfect for a short sail around Scotland Island. Again girls filled the top two places with Ashley Carney and team taking the gun and Lee’s team very close behind her. Spinnakers were out on the Scotland Island race with many having broaching practice while the two lead boats just took off and cramming in the back end of the boat.

On Tuesday night an infamous southerly buster hit Sydney with Wednesday blowing 20-25 knots. The kids hit the water with no fear as they gybed down the bay. Today was perfect conditions for a marathon race. At the briefing, each boat was given a course and a chart of the Pittwater and off they went. Robert Crawford’s team won this race by a mile, emphasising a flat boat is a fast boat.

'Young Sail 2003 was a huge success. Making new friends and experiencing what the Alfred’s has to offer was the paramount aim of this course says, RPAYC Coach, Des Davis.

During the July school holiday’s there is a new program starting aptly named Intermediate Development. This is a week long camp at Patonga Sport and Recreation Centre conducted in clubs Elliott 5.9 fleet for 14-16 year old kids. It is an introduction to Youth Development where the senior members of Intermediate Development will move onto the Youth Development Squad.

Davis also says, its all about building our base and providing the stepping stones for our young members and providing opportunities for them, not just in sailing but in life. The last two years has seen an increase in sailing generally with our young members and an increased percentage of females participating.

These programs are highly supported by two local companies Barrenjoey Travel Services and Riviera Sales Pittwater. Without this support the club would not be able to offer such a wide array of comprehensive courses for these young enthusiasts.

Young Sail 2003 Squad - Katherine Barber, Liam Bennett, Jill Brajkovic, Claire Bryan, Imogen Carfrae, Ashley Carney, Francis Dargarville, Jessie Grosser, Amy Lee, Sarah Lee, Elyce McClelland, Elise Minter, Madeline Nairn, Megan Sammons, Carla-Doune Sexton, Kylie Upton, Jenna Walters, Jason Waterhouse, George Bryan, Matthew Crawford, Robert Crawford, Lachlan Doyle, Robert Hudson, Andy Kidner, Cameron Taylor.