RYA Onboard at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club
by Barbara Darling 21 Oct 2008 00:12 PDT
18-19 October 2008
The RYA Onboard end of season get together is held at Derwent Reservoir © Barbara Darling
Fun for all
Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club hosted the end of season get together for young people who have been involved with the RYA Onboard scheme. This RYA initiative, based at Stockton Castlegate Quay in the North East, aims to encourage youngsters from schools into sailing and then join a club in the region.
Micky Early, the Onboard officer, brought together a group of young sailors from schools in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Durham, Newcastle and locally who have all been enjoying sailing at their nearest club.
Saturday was busy with the older teenagers rigging Topaz dinghies whilst the younger ones sorted out their Oppie trainers. Mums and Dads joined in too for their very first taste of sailing.
Several members of the DRSC training team took them out in larger boats and by the end of the two days some were sailing on their own. Quite an achievement in the sometimes-blustery conditions.
After a meal and fun games in the clubhouse on Saturday evening, some camped overnight and woke up on Sunday to bright sunshine and more sailing.
Exercises were set on the water that demanded more skills being learnt and everyone improved tremendously.
After lunch, at the beginning of the last session, all boats were decorated with balloons and it ended with a huge duck race. About 200 plastic ducks were tipped into the water and pillage ensued!
All competitors received a medal and mementoes. Derwent young sailors were awarded the Team prize and a trophy. Kelly Tate aged ten, who only began sailing a few weeks ago, was awarded a special prize for “Endeavour and Most Improved”.
A happy fun weekend was enjoyed by everyone. If, reading this, you are interested in your children taking part in an outdoor activity, learning to sail in a disciplined safe environment, then contact the school your children attend and encourage them to take advantage of this initiative by contacting Micky Early on 01642 528 689, email 
