Sail Africa sets a course for local youth

YOUNGSTERS sit down for a snack as their sailing instructor discusses the direction of the wind and quizzes them on how to tack and jibe. Then its time to gear-up, rig their sails and set off on the wind.

Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation (Sail Africa) hosts school learners from different schools for weekly sailing lessons.

Among its objectives are: supporting school children through the sport of sailing and promoting the marine enterprise as a career.

Cay Hickson of Sail Africa said they offer a range of programmes including sailing as a sport on Keel Boats and Dinghies, curriculum enhancement of the Maritime Economics syllabus, practical applications to Maritime Studies students, water safety and swimming courses and environmental awareness programmes.

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“This year Sail Africa celebrates it’s 15th year of introducing previously disadvantaged young people to the sport of sailing, and to the maritime economy,” said Hickson.

She added that Sail Africa youth have gone on to become professional sailors on the international circuit, sailed on races such as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, co-skippered races such as the Cape to Rio and entered the maritime profession.

Berea Mail visited Sail Africa on Thursday, February 24 when learners from iThemba Lethu arrived for their weekly sailing lesson.

Sailing instructor, Sunita Henkeman (22) has worked at Sail Africa for three years. She has six years of sailing experience.
“What I love about sailing is the adrenaline rush when the boat catches speed. What I love about instructing is when you see how far your students get without you, when you have taught all you can and you see them accomplish their goals,” she said.

While sailing has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, Henkeman said more girls are taking an interest.
“We need more girls in sailing. We have our own girls sailing program. More girls are signing up, and we are showing the guys how it’s done” she said.

Zukile Moto, a Bonela resident and youth worker from iThembu Lethu said 15 children from the centre visit Sail Africa on a weekly basis.

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“This is a different environment for the children, it’s something they are not exposed to as much. They are usually exposed to other careers such as police work or nursing. We wanted them to have exposure to sailing so they would not be limited. We select children who are interested in sailing to attend the sailing lessons. They love it. There are other learners who are interested in sailing now after hearing about it from these learners,” he said.

Sail Africa operates out of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Sailing and Rowing Clubhouse known as Caprice in the Durban Marina. –
“We have formed working partnerships with other organizations in the area known as the Wilson’s Wharf Precinct working closely with the Durban Marina, the Point Yacht Club, the Royal Natal Yacht Club, the Durban Rowing Club, the Bat Centre, the Sea Scouts and Sea Cadets as well as the Maritime Museum all of whom fall within the designated Port Festival Area,” said Hickson.-

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