Messing About in Boats

Since our family became members of Yeadon Sailing Club three years ago, we have joined members on Tuesday evenings and practised our sailing skills under the watchful eye of the volunteers who kindly provided a safe environment for ‘new’ and ‘untested sailors’. This year has been exceptional in our view. On Tuesday evenings, we have had the opportunity to practise in our own boats in safety, to sail with members in their boats and to share the club topper, which has allowed Luke to go solo. Luke enjoyed the six-week junior race training programme,

Sandra tried the adult race training ‘taster’ and Andrew has begun to race.

We attended our first Commodore’s Weekend and really began to feel like members because this was an opportunity to talk to others, have a laugh with them and watch the junior contingent demonstrate how effective the junior training and the Tuesday evening tuition has been.

We have enjoyed this summer at the club and cannot think of any other club or organisation where so much is so freely given. Lovers of the sport of sailing are so
willingly sharing their passion and passing on their skills.

We blame Neil entirely for Tuesday evenings; his tuition, guidance and support to all has been wonderful. He would be unable to provide these without the support of other members who freely manned the safety boats and gave their time so that newcomers can have the opportunity to try sailing and we want to say THANK YOU!

Andrew, Sandra and Luke Cowling
First Published in Autumn 2006