The rigging lawn at Bowen's Port Denison Sailing Club was a hive of activity on Sunday morning as four learner Qubes, three Sabots, five Optimists, three Lasers, four Windsurfers and one B14 Skiff took to the water for some training and short course racing practice.
Rounding marks close to shore, so many different types of boats sailing together was quite a spectacle.
The Jordan family from Mackay drove up to join members from Airlie Beach and Bowen and allow their three very experienced sailing children a chance to race against like skilled children.
Although PDSC has Optimist class rather than Sabots, they were warmly welcomed and the children enjoyed playing off the water with their old and new sailing friends.
Quite a few grandparents were also in attendance and proudly watched their grandkids’ skills and commentated the on-water action from the picnic tables in the shade.
The progression from beginner to more advanced skills among the children and youth at PDSC was easily visible in the range of dinghies, with many sailors graduating into new classes of boat this year to maintain momentum and continue developing their sailing abilities across disciplines.
Two Optimist sailors are now sailing Lasers, and the Optimist fleet continues to be fed by the graduating Green Fleeters in their Qubes.
Five students aged 7 – 10 even had a try of a windsurfer with a small 1.5sqm rig after the racing, enticing some on to the water with the prospect of trying something brand new and 'fast' looking.
Felix Sawers from Airlie Beach enjoyed a surprise 9th birthday surrounded by his sailing friends, complete with cake and a roaring rendition of Happy Birthday which filled the clubrooms.
Felix began two years ago as a Pirate, now sails a racing Optimist, and has become a self-assured sailor, experiencing the satisfaction gained from persevering with his sport which demands the steady building of resilience and physical skills.
He is setting a great example for his little brother Sam who is now also part of the Pirate learn to sail group.
PDSC wishes to thank the canteen volunteers for the tasty toasties, and the powerboat crews for looking after everyone on the water.
Next weekend is Pirates learn to sail, and Off Beach Racing will be held again on Sunday 10th of March, with all members and affiliated club members welcome to join.
Please see the Port Denison Sailing Club Facebook site for further information.
Felix Sawers, age 9, full of smiles on the water. Photo supplied
