The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

The course has been supported by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) 'Connect to Sailing' project and Tom Wilson, ISAF Trainer has been over in the Bahamas working with the coaches from Rock Sound and Governors Harbour- Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Long Island and New Province along with Maria Aaboe, BSA Senior Instructor.

Eleven participants attended the course, representing their local sailing club or School, with the hope to take back some new skills and knowledge to help develop their sailing provision. Tom Wilson said of the course, "It has been really beneficial having such a variety of coaches from different islands as they have been able to share their experiences from the projects they run.

"Along with input from the ISAF 'Connect to Sailing Project and ISAF Learn to Sail Training Programme guidelines the group have a much greater appreciation of what it takes to run structured sailing sessions for all standards of sailor."

The five day course looked at how to introduce complete beginners into sailing, making their first experience Safe, Fun and Memorable and then how to develop their skills so that the sailors are able to be independent on the water and have the knowledge to start racing.

John Lawrence of the BSA explained why such a course was organised:

"The BSA hosted this technical course so that we could increase the coaching expertise that we have in the Bahamas. The BSA felt that it was an excellent opportunity to assist with expanding the junior sailing programs throughout the Bahamas and into our existing Out Island Programs. We have been rapidly adding new junior sailing fleets in the Bahamas to some of the smaller less accessible locations and these programs will of course all be dependant of competent qualified instructors. This Technical Course went a long way towards achieving these growth goals of the Bahamas."

Throughout the course the course the group had some of the local young sailors from Nassau come along so the participants were able to have some real students to coach.

Wilson added, "It has been fantastic to see the young local Bahamians have the opportunity to get on the water and have so much fun and we look forward to developing our relationships with the whole of the Caribbean Sailing Association and their members as the programme develops even further."'

The aim behind the course was to educate those that are involved in the delivery of sailing throughout the Bahamas, along with support from the world governing body of sailing in developing the formal coaching and learn to sail programme with the Bahamas which is the next stage in the development so that the BSA get more young children afloat that would not normally have the chance.

ISAF is thankful to Nassau Yacht Club, the hosts of the course, who allowed ISAF and BSA the use of the club facilities.

Mr Wellington Miller from the Bahamas NOC was present at the closing of the course to officially present the coaches with their certificates of attendance, he said, "It was really positive to see so many new coaches equipped with the skills to help develop the learn to sail programme within the Bahamas."

If you are interested in finding out more about how your MNA could benefit from a Technical Course for your Coaches then please email Dan Jaspers, ISAF Training and Development Manager here.

View pictures from the course here.