Torpoint Mosquito SC increase fleet to get more young sailors on the water
by Brigitte Mann 2 Oct 2014 17:09 BST
1 October 2014
Two new RS Fevas for Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club © Phillippa Smerdon
Torpoint Mosquito's young sailors got their first look at their new boats when the club took delivery of two new sailing dinghies this week.
On Wednesday 1 October 2014 the young sailors of Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club (TMSC) were thrilled to be at the launch of the club's two new RS Feva dinghies. The club already has a very active youth sailing scene; its Cadet section - which is open to young people aged between 8 and 18 - offers weekly sessions during the summer months and monthly winter sessions. As well as water confidence, cadets learn team building skills, grow their self-assurance, mix with children of different ages and sailing abilities and most of all have fun. However, the section has proved so popular that there is currently a waiting list of local youngsters hoping to join in caused by a shortage of boats and qualified instructors. The Club has come up with plans to extend and improve the section and at the same time increase facilities for all sailors.
Funded by sponsored walks, cake and raffle tickets sales and donations from the 1730 social club amongst others, the purchase of the two new dinghies is a key part of the plans. The Feva can be sailed with two or three junior sailors onboard who can develop the teamwork required for sailing crewed boats successfully, as well as more advanced techniques such as using spinnakers. There is also a very active dinghy racing scene at TMSC and it is hoped that the younger sailors will also be encouraged to compete alongside the regular racers at the club using the new boats.
"I am delighted that through the hard work of the club's members, volunteers and supporters in raising the funds we have been able to buy two brand new boats. Adding two more Fevas to our Club fleet which already includes Optimists, Toppers, Picos and Visions, means that we will be able to get those who are waiting to be join the Cadets out on the water much sooner", said Cadet Co-ordinator, Phillippa Smerdon. "In the meantime we will involve new cadets in our monthly winter sessions so that they can learn the ropes as soon as possible."
"Being able to purchase these new boats is just one part of our development strategy for the Club," said Commodore, Steve Creek. " Over the last year we have been planning a number of improvements to the club's facilities, including arranging for some of our members to become qualified dinghy instructors over the winter. This means that we can extend our cadet section and offer new adult beginners' courses next year. Torpoint Mosquito is at the heart of the Torpoint community and these plans will allow us to welcome local people of all ages and abilities into membership through training and coaching on our own premises" he added.
For more information about the club, go to www.tmsc.org.uk.