Knysna Yacht Club hosts regatta

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KNYSNA NEWS - A special and long-standing collaboration continues as the Knysna Yacht Club hosted a special training regatta event for the sea cadets two weekends ago.

This unique event brought together three bases - Sea Cadet Corps TS Knysna, TS Outeniqua and TS Birkenhead - for a weekend training regatta.

Knysna Yacht Club facilitated the event by providing classroom training and practical experience on shore and on the water.

The group of 35 cadets and seven instructors marched from their base to the yacht club on the evening of 10 May to start classes and were back early on Saturday for a full day of activity.

A basic course was given with lectures and interactive sessions about aspects such as safety, parts of the boat, wind strength and direction, points of sail, launching and tacking. Practical activities that followed included rigging, tacking, and sailing in somewhat challenging conditions, giving many participants their first taste of sailing a dinghy.

Dedicated cadet instructors and delegates, some as young as 10 years old, tackled the various challenges, including gusty winds and chilly water, with big smiles. The joy and sense of accomplishment on many faces as they sailed for the first time was a reminder of how meaningful this collaboration is.

PHOTO GALLERY: Sea cadets take to the water: Regatta and training

Sea cadets Nakita Van Aswegen (left) and Peter Claassen (right) dressed in their safety gear and ready to sail.

Special recognition goes to the local sailor cadets from TS Knysna who showcased their growing sailing skills, at least partially attributable to Knysna Yacht Club's Learn2sail Saturdays, even helping to coach others.

The event concluded with a parade on Sunday, where cadets of each rank received certificates of completion signed by Lieutenant Lamini of TS Knysna and the commodore of Knysna Yacht Club, Ken Reynolds.

Ensign E Hennies of TS Knysna said he hoped this would be the first of many and become an annual event.

A big thank you to Geo Parkes & Sons and Lombkor for their generous support, to Caley Reynolds for leading the lessons and coordinating the event supported by Judith Herald, and to Adrian White for donating time behind the camera. Gratitude is also extended to the volunteer sailing coaches led by sailing secretary David Shilton, commodore Ken Reynolds, rescue boat drivers, youth skippers, and KYC staff for their invaluable contributions.

KYC commodore Ken Reynolds with trainers and TS Knysna cadets after the closing parade. From the left: Trainer Judith Herald, AB Saula Pantyo, AB Blake Donson, Commodore Ken Reynolds, AB Shane Ennes, AB Khiyaam Grootboom, AB Connor Muller and trainer Caley Reynolds.