The Port Dalrymple Yacht Club launched the use of the five new sailing boats on January 18.

“These new training dinghies are part of our developing learn to sail programs for tackers (ages 7-12) and youth (ages 12+),” training officer Greg Rowsell said.

Mr Rowsell said interest in the learn to sail program had swelled last year and pushed the club to its limits for resources.”

“The numbers of young people who joined our learn to sail program last year put pressure on us. We needed more boats to keep the program expanding.”

The boats were bought through a combination of sponsorship and individual donations.

“This adds five new Optimist dinghies to our existing boats making a fleet of 10,” he said.

Commodore Greg McElwee said the learn to sail program was suitable for Beauty Point because the region had smooth waterways, perfect for sailing.

“Our goal is to have sailing become a sport of choice for local kids. The way this is going we are likely to see that happen soon,” he said.

The learn to sail program also uses young sailors from the Port Dalrymple Yacht Club as tutors for the groups of young learners.

The 2019 learn to sail program was launched on January 20 and all the new boats were needed for the numbers of young people enrolled this year.

The program has six Sunday sessions and runs until March 24.

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