Shelley Sailing Club calls for kids of all ages to come down and try something new

IF YOU have ever been inclined to sail, now is the time to try it according to Shelley Sailing Club Commodore Alec Duncan.

With the 2016/17 season almost open, Mr Duncan said sailing could become a challenging and fun replacement for winter sports.

“Sailing is a healthy fun sport, it has many aspects to it and is a combination of mental and physical skills,” he said.

“Anyone can do it if they’re prepared to learn– then they will then love it for a lifetime.

“It’s a matter of persuading people to get on the water and sailing.”

Youngsters aged between eight and 15 can learn sailing from October 16 through two five-week courses – Start Sailing One and Start Sailing Two – aimed at introducing novices to the water on Mudlarks.

“We run formal courses accredited by Australian Sailing, with qualified instructors,” Mr Duncan said.

“If the kids do both those courses, then by the time they have finished they can handle a mudlark or minnow.”

Affectionately known as muddies, Mr Duncan said they were the perfect boat for a beginner.

“Great boats, if they tip over they pop right back up and take on no water,” he said.

Mr Duncan extended an invitation to adult sailors or parents interested in the sport to join the club.

“We’re happy for people to come along and see what we do, especially the adults if they are interested in getting a boat,” he said.

He promised a great location, thanks to the club’s secluded beachfront.

“It’s a good piece of water; it’s pretty much all ours so we don’t need to compete with other sailing clubs on a Saturday afternoon – it means it’s a safe environment,” Mr Duncan said.

The courses run on Sunday mornings from 9am to 12.30pm. For information about the courses go to shelleysailingclub.com.au.