Issue date
Sunshine and light breezes at Westhaven greeted 16 new sailors for a Have a Go and Talent ID Paralympic sailing day on Saturday March 8th.
The day was a chance for sailors to have a go at sailing the two-person SKUD 18, and three-person Sonar. Existing crews were also on the search for potential new talent to train as crew in their campaigns for Rio 2016.
Sailors ranging from zero sailing experience to World Champions had a chance to go sailing with previous Paralympians and America’s Cup sailors and many of the current Sailability and campaigning sailors were on the dock helping newcomers into boats and manning the BBQ.
Conditions were light for the start of the day, allowing some of the first time sailors, including Paralympics New Zealand Talent ID Manager Hadleigh Pearson, to get on the water and learn how to trim the sails. The afternoon saw more potential sailors arriving and a freshening breeze making for some more exciting rides.
The day was a huge success with two sailors from the day already starting with Sailability Auckland this week and the others set to join in the Training Clinic at the end of the month.
Huge thanks to all those who made the day possible both on and off the water including Sailability Auckland, PNZ, Coaches, Helpers and Sailors. For those who missed out, there is another Talent ID day scheduled for later in the year.
Anyone wishing to Have a Go at Sailing before the next session should contact Tim Dempsey email: sailabilityauckland@xtra.co.nz or phone: 09 834 0557
