KEELBOAT YOUTH PROGRAMME (KYP)
Sail Africa provides youngsters with comprehensive theoretical and practical training
in the basics of sailing - and then leads them from the dinghy park to the moorings and
and on to L26 keelboats where they have the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in a bigger pond.
Practical training takes place on board Sail Africa’s fleet of four L26’s keelboats. These boats are ideal for providing the knowledge of the basics of sailing and the experience to continue into keelboat racing or sailing dinghies or other paths. Theoretical training takes place from Sail Africa’s clubhouse located at Durban Marina (on the Café Fish side of the marina).
As the young sailors progress through the system and become more experienced,
they are guided towards areas in which they show aptitude and in which they show interest. Many of our KYP graduates have gone on to achieve sailing qualifications and bursaries
– this has enabled them to become more competent and competitive within racing or other areas of the industry and for some, to gain employment.
Local high schools and their learners are approached and encouraged to attend the programme and adopt sailing as a school sport. Youths from underprivileged communities
do not pay to participate in the programme.
The programme comprises three courses:
Introduction to Keelboat Sailing (Term 1)
This course provides the knowledge of the basics of keelboat sailing. It comprises approximately 12 hours of on-the-water training as well as theory sessions. Participants
are provided with a course manual. They are required to complete a short test at the end
of the course (both theory and practical – aimed at having fun while developing the skills needed to sail) and are awarded a course completion certificate on successful completion of the course.
Introduction to Racing (Term 2)
This course introduces participants to racing on board keelboats. It comprises approximately 12 hours of on-the-water training as well as theory sessions and participation in at least two races or regattas. Participants are provided with a course manual and a course completion certificate on successful completion of the course.
Small Boat Competency / Junior Deckhand Course (Term 3)
This course prepares participants for yacht hand and day skipper courses.
