The SailSmart program combines the sport of sailing with the development of knowledge and concerns of the natural environment. These include understanding the environment, weather, tides, decision-making, water safety, etc.
It also develops important life-skills such as leadership and teamwork in a hands-on environment. The qualities achieved through sailing will help young people face the challenges of life.
In this four-day programme, participants are exposed to the ‘sailing environment’ – the sea, waves, coasts, wind and weather through hands-on activities.
They are introduced to different types of sailboats and the physics behind how sailboats work. They will experience sailing in a four-person sailboat specially acquired for this programme called the Pacer.
At the end of the four-day course, participants will
- experience steering and controlling a boat as well as trimming sails to catch the wind
- have a better understanding of the environment in which they live, the delicate nature of our planet and how we must treat it with respect for our future
- have a better understanding of how the weather works, why the sun will shine or wind will blow, when to carry an umbrella and put on sunscreen
- gain water wisdom and be able to tell their parents why the tide is low or high, when is it safe to swim and when the current is dangerous
- have a better understanding of how the tides relate to the earth, moon, sun and the planets
- learn how to care for themselves and their equipment
- have acquired the principles of seamanship - to have respect for nature as nature cannot be controlled. We can adapt and trim our sails and face any challenge that life presents
- learn the importance of working in a team for success, taking charge and providing leadership of a group to collectively achieve success
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