Monday, June 25, 2012

Rain, Rain Won't Get In the Way!

The first day of sailing brought cold rainy weather but that it did not stop our sailors from smiling! They were excited to return to WDYC for their first day back. Before the storms rolled in this morning, the beginner opti class began by playing the name game and learning about the parts of the boat. They even sailed two of our club prams right off of the dock (on their first day!) The intermediate opti sailors learned how to rig their opti's and practiced sailing out and back to the dock. The wind was perfect for their docking! The beginner 420 class also learned how to rig and were split into two teams for rigging races. They were very impressive with how quick and efficient they were working to rig the boats. They were also tied up in a "human-knot" before the end of class for team building. The intermediate class went out in five boats and practiced getting their feel for being back in the boats. 

This afternoon the 420 and Opti race teams were questionable about going out on the water because of the radar. The opti coaches began class by working on adjusting sails. Thankfully when they finished the storm clouds had passed and the kids geared up and went out sailing in the pouring rain. They were hiking hard as they were sailing through the river. It was great to see them back on the water! The 420 teams reviewed rigging their spinnakers and practiced figure eight drills in the river. They were in tight space and really had to work on their boat handling skills. We are hoping for clear skies so they can head out to the ocean tomorrow for races! The Sea-Squirts learned about parts of the boat and took a ride out while learning about safety on boats. 

The weather didn't rain on our parade today! We wouldn't let it get in the way!