YOUNGSTERS were feeling buoyant after five new sailing dinghies were presented on Saturday to a Norfolk organisation which aims to get as many children as possible out on the water.
YOUNGSTERS were feeling buoyant after five new sailing dinghies were presented on Saturday to a Norfolk organisation which aims to get as many children as possible out on the water.
The Norfolk Schools Sailing Association(NSSA) will use the £30,000 wayfarer two handed craft to encourage more young people on to Filby Broads, near Yarmouth.
They were provided by the Broads Authority and the Foundation for Sports and the Arts.
The dinghies are a welcome bonus for the club, which has record numbers of children on its books this year - 150.
David Wrenn, NSSA commodore, said: “We are here to offer affordable sailing to youngsters. Sailing is a great outdoor activity which can build up team work and allows children to appreciate the environment.”
Other craft used by the club are smaller single handed optimists and toppers and the new dinghies will allow children to take part in spinnaker training.
Fifteen-year-old Amy Williams, of Martham, who has been a member of NSSA for several years said: “Going in a two hander means there are more things to do then in a smaller dinghy.”
The five boats were officially handed over by Simon Daniels, a keen sailor and member of the Broads Authority.
The NSSA charges £30 a year membership for youngsters aged eight to 18 and once paid all courses are free.
For more information visit www.nssa.co.uk
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