Sailing Course 13-14 August 2011
Svalbard Seilforennig will host a special introductory sailing course for anyone in Svalbard who wants to get out on the water in summer. There's no reason to be trapped in town when there are sailing boats ready to be taken for a spin (and if you do it well, it's faster then paddling)!
SSF sails in 'Snipes', a sailing dinghy which is an International racing class (see http://www.snipe.org/). It offers the feeling and speed of a quick open boat (which is the best for learning), with some forgiving stability that is quite nice in our Arctic fjords.
The introductory course will take one weekend, and is accessible for anyone who is interested in learning how to sail. At the end of the course, the goal is that all participants are able take out a boat on the fjord by themselves, have fun underway, and come back safely.
Groups will be small (4 to 6 sailors), so time on the water will be maximised. Topics covered will definitely include, but are not limited to: 'getting ready and seamanship on Svalbard', 'wind awareness (courses, sail-trim, upwind/downwind)', 'manouvres (tacks, gybes)', and 'capsizes (and recovery)'. Obviously, the program will be made to fit the group so there is a learning curve for everyone.
The course costs 1000,- kr paid in at the same account as the membership. Send an email to svalbardseil@gmail.com when that is done.
For signing up, questions or more information, feel free to send the instructor, Jaap van Rijckevorsel, an email at jaapvr@wxs.nl. The course will be taught in English.
