Pilot RYA Foiling Courses launched at the RYA Dinghy Show
by Sara Mills 4 Mar 2018 01:05 PST
3 March 2018
RYA Foiling Courses launched in 2018 © Paul Wyeth
The RYA officially launched its exciting new suite of Foiling Courses at the RYA Dinghy Show in London today.
RYA First Flights, Sustained Flights and Performance Flights will initially be run as pilot courses and aim to bring the thrill of foiling to the masses.
Sitting within the RYA Sailing and Windsurfing schemes, the pilot courses provide a structure for those looking to learn, progress or enhance their skills.
The courses will enable sailors to progress from their initial foiling taster to sustaining flight, then on to foiling manoeuvres.
RYA Chief Instructor for Dinghy and Windsurfing Amanda Van Santen is the instigator of the pilot, having spotting a need for foiling to become more accessible to mainstream sailing.
She said: 'It was my aspiration to make foiling more accessible and through our RYA Training Centres delivering safe tuition, I believe we are perfectly placed to do this. Our network of participating centres, who have invested in specific equipment, provide an easier and more accessible route through; correctly set up kit; and trained Instructors in a safe environment. In as little as two hours you may have potentially experienced your first foiling take-off.
'The exhilaration when foiling is just the most amazing experience, it makes you grin like a Cheshire cat! The interest and enthusiasm we have received is truly sensational.'
2018 is a pilot year for RYA Training, with participating centres across the UK and Overseas such as SWAC, Bray Lake, Queen Mary, Andrew Simpson, Mark Warner, Galloway Watersports and Wildwind, to name just a few. All taking part and delivering the pilot RYA Foiling course, expanding the availability of tuition.
However, more established and dedicated foiling centres such ProVela and OTC, can provide a wider range of equipment and more advanced tuition.
When asked how it feels to foil, RYA Sailing Coach Assessor, Shaun Priestley, said: "You'll never forget the first time you fly above the water, huge acceleration and silence makes it an amazing experience. However, sustaining flight is a more complex skill, similar to learning to use the harness in windsurfing – you're sure to experience a few crashes!"
Amanda adds: 'I can't wait to see the hard work and dedication people have committed come into fruition, and see foiling delivered through RYA Training Centre's, enabling more people to access and experience the amazing feeling.'
WIN FOILING KIT
To tie in with the launch of the new RYA Foiling courses we're giving you the chance to win a Gold Glide Free Foil, courtesy of Glide Free Foils worth £3,000.
To take part, head to the Foiling Kit stand (G4) in the West Hall at the show, complete the entry form, pop it in the box and you'll be entered in to the prize draw. It's as simple as that! Competition closes on 30 April 2018, with the winner announced shortly after.
WIN A FOILING EXPERIENCE
For the chance to win a two-hour foiling taster at RYA Training Centre OTC in Weymouth, PLUS a Spinlock Aero Pro 50N, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ryadinghyshow or on Twitter @dinghyshow
MORE FOILING FUN
The show is also the perfect place to check out the latest dinghies and as would be expected there are plenty of foiling ones on display at the show:
- Whisper Class Association – stand C37
- F101 Class Association – stand B38
- Flying Mantis (ISBF) – stand C86
- Waszp UK Class – stand B22
- Harken (Nacra 17) – stand G8
- SWAC (Foiling Laser) – stand G5
For all the latest show news and information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ryadinghyshow or on twitter @dinghyshow