Three YOBs on a 49er
Weymouth Sailing Clubs youth section (YOB's) enjoyed the rides of their lives as New Zealand Sailing Team sailors took time out from their busy training schedule to coach and entertain the kids on their Olympic boats.
YOB’s co ordinator Phil Samways said “Apart from the Elliott boats which were being campaigned last weekend in a women’s match race competition at the national academy, many of their boats which included the powerful 49er's, were taken out into Weymouth Bay along with the clubs’ own fleet of dinghies.”
“With boat speeds up near 20 mph the YOB's took it in turns to helm or hang out on the trapeze; with the water rushing past, just inches from their heads, their whoops of delight summed up their enjoyment. I personally cannot thank the guys and girls from New Zealand enough for giving our cadets the chance to sample top end performance sailing.”
British born New Zealand Olympic Programme Manager Jez Fanstone said “it was great to be able to have some down time, relax and have fun out on the water with the kids”., He also said “it is important to give something back to Weymouth Sailing Club. We have been made most welcome by the members of WSC and are enjoying our time here. We looked at what was on offer locally for a training base and with the WSC’s any state of tide access, its crane facilities, slipway and dinghy park, coupled with restaurant and bars made their Nothe Parade HQ a no brainer.”
Club commodore Mark Bugler said that this was an unseen part of the Olympic legacy, our YOB's were wide eyed and could not stop talking about their experiences out on the water with the Kiwi's, they all want to become Olympic
sailors.
Weymouth Sailing Club is playing host in the run up to the Olympics to Team GBR, France and New Zealand. With some of the sailors, managers and back room staff lodging with club members, further creating a bond of friendship that will last beyond the games.
