Gold medalist one to one coaching to OnBoard youngsters
by Ellie Williamson, RYA 14 Sep 2008 01:55 AEST
13 September 2008
In blazing sunshine and light breeze, eight lucky youngsters who signed up for the RYA’s OnBoard try sailing sessions today (13 September) at the PSP Southampton Boat Show, were joined by Olympic gold medallists Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson for some one-to-one coaching.
Hot from helping open the show yesterday (12 September), Iain and Andrew
joined the excited youngsters, all eager to give sailing a go, on the
RYA stand where they had a quick safety briefing before hitting the
water.
Ten year old Caitlin Dally from Titchfield couldn’t believe her luck
being paired up with Andrew in her Laser Pico; “It was a complete
surprise meeting Andrew and it was really fun as he taught me how to go
faster. I definitely want to do more – I loved it.”
Caitlin’s older sister Nicole sailed with Iain who gave her some top
Olympic insider tips; “Iain showed me how to keep my sailing smooth and
do quick turns so we could beat my sister!”
The RYA’s Onboard scheme seeks to make sailing more accessible by
linking sailing clubs with schools and youth groups to set up more
sailing sessions for kids. Iain explains; “The RYA’s OnBoard scheme is
really important to me and Bart (Andrew). Sailing has been our passion
since we were kids and having schemes like OnBoard available to
youngsters’ means even more kids have access to this great sport and
helps them develop the same passion we have.”
The RYA’s OnBoard ‘Try sailing’ sessions will be running over both
weekends of the PSP Southampton Boat show and to find out more about
OnBoard visit www.ruob.co.uk