AN America’s Cup sailor and an Olympic windsurfer are teaching children how to sail on Lake Macquarie.
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Adam Beashel and his wife Lanee say that interest in their learn-to-sail classes for children at South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club, in Sunshine, has grown in the wake of the recent Trinity Point NSW Optimist Championships.
It seems casual observers were impressed by the Optimist dinghies, and the skills of the young sailors on show.
And many were surprised to learn that the small local club now had two exceptionally qualified sailors at the helm of its junior program.
Adam, who represented New Zealand in the America’s Cup campaign of 2000, said the Optimist was an ideal dinghy for beginners.
“Its a very easy boat to learn in as you only have a tiller and a mainsheet rope to adjust, and there is no rigging and extra ropes to confuse you,” he said.
“Kids generally pick up the steering within the first few weeks. The boat is only 2.3 metres long which makes it very manageable for kids as young as six years old.”
Lanee, a four-time Olympic windsurfer for the USA, said South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club was the only club on the lake to have an Optimist program.
“The Opti is probably one of the most sailed boats in the whole world, and a lot of the top America’s Cup sailors learned to sail in Optis,” she said.
Adam said Lake Macquarie excelled as a venue for the recent state titles.
“The competitors were impressed with the conditions on the water and also not having to contend with the likes of Sydney Harbour ferries and power boats coming through their courses,” he said.
The club hosts learn-to-sail classes for sailors aged six years and older on Sunday mornings from 9. The season runs from November to March with a break over Christmas.
Young participants in the program start by using the club’s boats.
“Once kids have done two seasons they are generally looking at buying their own boats,” Adam said.
The 15-week program costs $195, and includes the use of a boat, club rash guard, and an award on completion.
“The program is run right in front of the sailing club at Sunshine. The parents can relax and watch their kids just a couple of hundred metres from them,” Adam said.
- Visit slmasc.org for details.