Coutts clinic to navigate new waters

NEW FLEET: Sailing Wanganui juniors launch a new fleet of O'pen Bics on Saturday ahead of a coaching clinic in December by one of the best - Sir Russell Coutts. PHOTO/Sarah Lourie

Young Whanganui sailors are in for a rare treat later this year when one of the giants of the yachting world hosts a clinic teaching how best to operate a new fleet.

Sailing Wanganui has bought six new O'pen Bics beginning a new era in sailing and Sir Russell Coutts will host a clinic in December to teach the basics.

Coutts, of course, is a world sailing gold medallist and five time America's Cup winning skipper.

Sailing Wanganui junior co-ordinator Bob Davies said young yachtsmen and women would get time on the water in the new craft when the season begins on Saturday.

At a working bee at the club last Sunday the club's six new O'pen Bics were rigged and readied by junior sailors waiting for the new season to start.

"These six boats were purchased by Sailing Wanganui with support from the Lion Foundation and Pub Charity. Sailing Wanganui is very thankful for their support and continuing interest in the development of sailing in Wanganui," Davies said yesterday.

"These O'pen Bics represent the start of a new era in sailing in Wanganui with the move from the classic wooden boats of the P Class and the Starling, to the O'pen Bic. They are low maintenance and have quick to rig features. It means more time on the water for our junior and intermediate sailors."

Davies said the club will still be sailing its Optimists, Starlings and Lasers as these boats were still the cornerstone of the Wanganui fleet.

"(On Saturday) they will be learning the fundamentals prior to the O'pen Bic clinic to be held by Russell Coutts. At this regatta there will be 14 O'pen Bics on the river and the club is keen to get all its junior members a boat and time on water with top coaching."