EIGHTEEN sailing hopefuls of the future, eager to build on the success of Olympians Joe Glanfield and Nick Rogers, completed a Royal Yachting Association Course at the Exe Sailing Club last weekend.

EIGHTEEN sailing hopefuls of the future, eager to build on the success of Olympians Joe Glanfield and Nick Rogers, completed a Royal Yachting Association Course at the Exe Sailing Club last weekend.

The sailors, all under sixteen years old, braved the elements to master basic sailing skills.

The course was part of the Royal Yachting Association's 'On Board' scheme, designed to encourage youngsters to become in involved in sailing.

For Exmouth's Bethany Blood-Smythe, 12, it was her first outing on the water, and she said: "I first wanted to do sailing when I heard someone from our school had gone on to become an Olympic Sailor. Next I'd like to go on to try racing. It's been really good."

Her brother Mathew, 10, was the youngest on the course, and he said: "I definitely want to do more sailing in the spring."

Lauren Spring was one of the Sailing Club's team of instructors, and she said: "We had to be careful not to scare students off because the conditions were so windy so much of the time.

"Some of the students loved the conditions, some were quite wary; this group have coped well and really enjoyed it. When they come back in April they will love the experience."

She said she was impressed by how quickly the students progressed: "They were busy all the time, learning new skills- sometimes without realising it."

Chris Wheeler, 15, said: "The capsize drills were the most exciting part. It's been good learning new things on the water at this time of year. "

Joss Urmston, 12, added: "The water was cold but it's been lots of fun!"

Rick Newcombe is the Sailing Club's Director of training, and said: "I think the course has been a great success.

"It's encouraging that so many of the youngsters are already asking about the courses in the spring. I'd like to thank the club members who have given up their time to man the safety boats in all sorts of conditions. Most important have been the young instructors who worked very hard to make a winter course possible. It's something we would like to do again."

If you are interested in next year's courses enquire at the Youth Office in the Community College.

1