A new sailing academy has been created on the Island to develop talent for the 2010 World Island Youth Games and beyond.

The Isle of Wight Council has developed an Optimist Academy to develop the sailing skills of talented sailors aged between eight and 15. The Academy has been designed to create a pathway from club sailing and racing to national events and competitions.

Optimist sailors with at least a basic sailing knowledge are invited to apply to be part of the Academy which will hold monthly training sessions through until April 2010 at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Fishbourne.

Each sailor will receive tuition from Royal Yachting Association qualified coaches and follow the International Optimist Class Association (IOCA) scheme and receive a personal development programme. This will detail personal goals set by coaches, suggested training programme throughout the summer months and details of events the coach feels the sailor should enter as part of their sailing development.

A password secure training area has also been developed by the council, containing training material and information on sailing techniques, background theory, nutrition, forthcoming sailing events as well as links to useful articles.

The first Academy training session takes place on Saturday 7 November. Taking part in the Optimist Academy costs £25 per training session or £140 if all six sessions are paid for in advance. As well as time on the water, the academy is an opportunity to make new friends within the sailing community and attend social events.

Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the economy, tourism, leisure and planning said:

“This scheme will give talented young Island sailors access to top coaching and support to develop their sailing skills and prepare them to compete in top competitions such as the World Island Youth Games and maybe even the Natwest Island Games, the next of which takes place here on the Island in 2011.”

Susie Moore, Isle of Wight Council watersports development officer said:

“The Island has many talented young Optimist sailors and we aim to bring them together to develop their skills during the winter months in preparation for top competitions next summer.”

Images of optimists racing at last year’s World Youth Island Games held in Majorca.credit Isle of Wight Council.

To find out more or book a place contact Susie Moore at the Isle of Wight Council’s Sports Unit on 01983 823818, 07891 622648 or e-mail susanna.moore@iow.gov.uk

Training sessions will take place on:
Saturday 7 November 2009
Saturday 19 December 2009
Saturday 23 January 2009
Saturday 6 February 2009
Saturday 6 March 2009
Saturday 17 April 2009
It costs £25 per training session or £140 if paid in advance.

To find out more about Optimist sailing visit www.optimistsailing.org.uk

To find out more about the council’s sports unit visit www.iwight.com/sportsunit