RQYS Sail & Play Program

2:31 AM Thu 11 Jun 2009 GMT

'Sail & Play'

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron isn't hibernating over winter, with the popular school holiday program Sail & Play running again these June/July school holidays.

Known for combining sailing with a wide range of other water activities, the program is the Sailing School's most popular, attracting over 100 students in the summer holidays.

The winter program definitely has no shortage of fun despite the cooler conditions. Activities over the three days include sailing, powerboat adventures, kite making, knots and even an adventure to one of the nearby islands on the final day. The program is run with Yachting Australia Accredited Instructors with safety and fun being the top priorities.

RQYS Marine Sports Manager Suellen Hurling says that a program like Sail & Play is a great way to introduce young children to the sport of sailing.

'We needed a fun program that wasn't just about learning to sail. The program allows kids to explore Moreton Bay and experience all different aspects of the sailing culture,' stated Suellen. 'It's grown exponentially over the years and is a major part of the Squadron's new Junior Development Plan.'

The successful program is now in its fourth year, and has seen over 1,000 enrolments. Many students have since moved on to race competitively at the Squadron and a number have also joined the ranks of the Squadron's Junior Instructors.

The program this year runs in the lead up to Queensland Youth Week. This regatta for youth sailors is only in its second year, but has entries from all states of Australia and a large contingent of sailors from New Zealand crossing the Tasman to join the fleet. With Queensland's relatively mild winters, many southern sailors see it as a great opportunity for competitive winter racing.

For more information on the program visit www.sailandplay.com, phone the Squadron on (07) 3396 8666 or email sailingschool@rqys.com.au.

For more information on Queensland Youth Week visit www.qldyouthweek.com.

by Tom Johns