Belle Harbor Yacht Club

Whitney Institute pupils learn sailing skills

Middle school students braved the blue seas in an introductory sailing programme at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Twenty-three M1 students from Whitney Institute last week took part in a WaterWise course, which involves sailing simulations on dry land for a week before plunging into the Hamilton Harbour.

Paul Doughty, the senior instructor and sailing coach, said students were taught about the different parts of the boat and sails, wind direction, steering, how to tack and jibe, how to right a capsized boat and tie knots.

Last week students aged between ten and 12 put their new skills to the test.

Whitney PE teacher Erika Russell said they “improved considerably in a very short period of time”.

“All were able to go from a complete non-sailor with no experience in water to confidently being able to manoeuvre the boat and getting it to do what they want it to do,” she said.

When not in the water, the students were tasked with journaling their daily experiences. They were also responsible for researching different people throughout history who were accomplished mariners.

WaterWise has been in existence for the past nine years. Many of the children in the programme have never been in a sailboat before and must quickly develop the decision-making skills and self-confidence that will help them on the water.

The programme has produced several accomplished young sailors, said Mr Doughty.

He added that there are always a handful from each programme interested in pursuing the sport.

He told The Royal Gazette : “Part of this is keeping children away from sitting on the walls.

“In the nine years we have been involved with this three world-class racing sailors have come out of this. Those are children that embraced it and saw it as an avenue for them.”

Ms Russell said the benefits of the programme could also be seen in the classroom in some cases.

“One boy in particular, his mother was concerned about his grades slipping. [In order] for him to sail he has been coming back to school every day at 3.30pm until 5 or 6pm to study reading or math.”

She said all the students were more attentive to their coaches.

Top 10 places to anchor, raft-up, or just cruise by this weekend ...

Vol. 1, No. 35

This holiday weekend, Long Island Sound will be packed with recreational boaters.  If you’re a boat owner and you’re like me, you prefer to have a destination when you’re out on the water.  Here are some of my favorite places to drop the hook for an hour  or two and enjoy time with friends and family.

1. Cockenoe Island – Cockenoe is the most popular boating destination in Westport.  This weekend, Cockenoe harbor will look like a parking lot full of fun.  If you can plan your visit around the tide, going into the lagoon is extra neat.

2. Bermuda Lagoon – Bermuda Lagoon is a high-tide destination as well, so be sure to check your tide table . 

3. Saugatuck River – Most boaters don’t think to go up the Saugatuck unless they dock their boat there, but at high tide, going all the way to Downtown Westport can be a fun outing. 

4. Southport Harbor – The Pequot area has an interesting juxtaposition of manicured mansions and a small, quaint old-timey harbor and waterfront.

5. Sheffield Island – Sheffield Island in Norwalk is a great place to stop for the day and check out the island and the lighthouse.  It’s also a popular overnight anchorage.

6. Scott’s Cove – Some pretty amazing properties overlook Scott’s Cove in Darien, including the Convent of St. Birgitta , a very unique property on Long Island Sound. 

7. Ziegler’s Cove – It doesn’t get any better than this; Ziegler’s is my favorite place to drop anchor and spend the afternoon with friends.  CoastalBoating.net has a nice review and navigation advice.

8. Five Mile River – The Five Mile River is just a great place to cruise.  You can even pick up some sandwiches at the Rowayton Market while you’re there.

9. Captain Islands – If you’re looking for a longer trip from the Westport/Fairfield area, Greenwich Harbor can be a great destination.  After cruising past the very high-end Indian Harbor Yacht Club, Belle Haven Club, and Riverside Yacht Club, a stop at Great Captain to take a swim will bring you back down to Earth.  CoastalBoating.net has a good write-up on the Captain Islands. 

10. Milton Point – The Rye/Mamaroneck waterfront offers a protected harbor and a notable attraction for boaters: Playland’s Wednesday and Friday night fireworks .  While you may be able to fulfill your desire to see fireworks closer to home this weekend, the weekly fireworks show can be a good attraction to keep in mind for the rest of the summer.

The Rockaways

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The Motor boat, devoted to all types of power craft

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