Making sailing more accessible to all is a key target for the Sailing Academy Gordon’s Bay – a task that was recently given a boost by the fact that the academy has been granted Recognised Training Centre (RTC) status by SA Sailing.
This is fitting recognition for the local academy, which has been introducing sailing to hundreds of eager participants for several years. Heading up the efforts is certified instructor Neil Ashton. “We will be running both the Learn to Sail and Train to Compete programmes, and hope to facilitate sailing for the home-schooling fraternity in the mornings and after-school sailing in the afternoons,” he explained.
“We have already run a ladies’ training weekend as part of the Steering the Course initiative and our all-ladies crew attained second place on handicap at the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club’s Gaul Regatta, the most prestigious regatta on the club’s calendar.”
Ashton further described teaching people of all ages and cultures to sail as being his passion. “There is very little that gives me a bigger thrill than to see people having safe fun out on the water on boats.”
Speaking about the impact of the RTC status from SA Sailing on Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, where the academy is based, Ashton explained: “There will be huge benefit to the yacht club – students and their families will have access to the club restaurant and bar, boosting sales and generating income.
“New sailors, once competent, are encouraged to crew for existing members, alleviating the age-old issue of not having crew. There will be new memberships, boats and moorings and the academy will take care of transformation and development requirements through our sailing initiatives.”
As for the importance of that development and the contribution sailing can make by being accessible to a wider community of participants, Ashton said: “Sailing teaches a number of life lessons that few other sports can: accountability, patience, work ethic, bonding, self-confidence, vision, courage, adventure, systems, sense of direction and weather knowledge.
“I believe that our youth particularly can benefit from these life lessons as they will develop into better people as well as better sailors.”
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Those interested in trying their hand at sailing can visit, https://sailingacademy.co.za/venues/gordons-bay-yacht-club
