The great sailor Ed Baird, Laser World champion in 1980 and World J24 Champion in 1983 is reputed to have said that the most important skills come from 'Time on the Water'.
Now in preparation for doing just that this coming season, a group of sailors have been working on their development skills as part of RYANI's Youth Forum and putting their leadership and thinking skills to the test through workshops at the Ganaway Activity Centre in Millisle, Co. Down. They also tested their nerves on the challenging climbing wall.
The RYANI Youth Forum group, which is being piloted for one year, has been formed as part of an initiative to empower young people, encouraging them to participate actively in society. The group is also being given the chance to improve their own lives by highlighting their needs and interests, as well putting forward their views to the governing body.
As sailing can be looked on as social exercise as well as a sport, with the skill of crewing a boat with others needing a great deal of understanding, patience and organisation, this training will no doubt benefit the young sailors.
Chair of RYANI Jackie Patton commented: "At RYANI we are delighted to be running this initiative in partnership with the Northern Ireland Youth Forum. It is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to develop as leaders and young ambassadors within the club setting and their community, giving them skills for life."
RYANI has scored a first as it is the first region to set up the initiative.
