The Fiji Yachting Association (FYA) is going to develop and implement a school’s learn to sail programme in their bid to continue to grow sailing at the grass roots level.

This was confirmed yesterday by Association secretary Neville Koop who said, that this would be trialled this year.

“This is a way to promote safe boating practices to as many children and youths that we can,” Koop said.

He said sailing offers pathways to building knowledge and skills in water safety such as wearing life jackets while at sea.

“Adopting safe practices when going on water, improving and understanding of the marine environment and the need to protect our coastal waters and shores.”

This will be part of this year’s annual plan as they  try to grow sailing at the grass roots through the ongoing support of their club members.

GO FOR MEDALS

Koop revealed that they have already been working on building towards the 2019 Pacific Games.

“We aim to bring home medals from the sailing event. In this area our national coach Emanuel Jamardo will be busy honing the skills, building fitness and at the same time work on the non technical aspects such as mental strength and focus.”

He said sailing may seem to be a gentle sport being individual and non-contact.

“However, sailing regattas involve six to eight hours each day on the water for five days or more in a row, and it is both mentally and physically demanding.

“When sailing you are on your own, if you are tired or injured there is no one sitting on the bench to come on and replace you.”

Koop said each sailor must have the physical strength to look after themselves and their boat in all conditions.

MORE COMPETITION

He indicated that with more major events our sailors would improve.

“This year we have four major events planned for all classes of sailing boats both locally and regionally, with one major international event planned for this year.”

The Enoshima Olympic Week regatta is to be held in Japan in September.

It is one of a series of preparatory events for the 2020 Olympic regatta.

Moves underway to develop and implement a programme for schools.
Photo: Fiji Yachting Association

BIG ACHIEVEMENT

Koop said the appointment of their national coach Jamardo was a big achievement for them.

“We are grateful for the support of the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth for their support for coaching and technical development programmes within the sporting associations in Fiji.”

“Coaching is absolutely fundamental of developing all sports, and sailing is no different. Just in the short time our national coach has been with us the achievements have been great and our athletes have benefited greatly, and we believe 2018 will bring more great results,” he said.

The Association will be having their outrigger and sailing lessons at the Fiji Shipping Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva, tomorrow.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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