Dinghy Instructor training

  
Over the Summer HBSC hosted two RYA Dinghy Instructors course. A total of eleven people undertook the training including seven members of HBSC, one Scout Leader and three members of a Medway sailing opportunities charity. The first course consisted of 6 people, two members of HBSC and four visitors. The club members having a slight advantage, being familiar with the water and the boats. However, all settled in very quickly with the club members providing guidance to the visitors.
 
Both courses had to battle the ravages of the English weather. However, the sun shone and sufficient wind prevailed to allow the courses to be completed successfully.

There were varying practical challenges that faced the students on the course because of the different levels of experience, knowledge of the location and boat type.  The courses began with a general discussion and sailing session, and soon all were in the full swing of the course, learning to deliver the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) ‘Method’, the core programme for teaching someone to sail a dinghy. This was followed by many sessions on various topics, both practical and theoretical, ranging from teaching delivery methods to managing multiple boats on the water while also trying to deliver the RYA Syllabus.
 
The second course was made up of 5 members of HBSC, 3 of whom had come up through the club cadet system. The delivery was again provided by Laurie who was very ably assisted by Jo (who took it upon herself to ensure all had FU N, one of the key aims of teaching people to sail).
 
 The facilities at HBSC, (galley for coffee and refreshments, and the many training boats) ensured that both the courses were a success.  The wide-ranging Training Fleet and the various Power boats gave a flexibility not normally found at a Club venue giving students the opportunity to utilise a wide range of boats.  All the students successfully completed the course, having gained a great deal of experience and knowledge along the way.
 
STUDENTS COMMENTS
 
The DI course was an enjoyable and full of valuable knowledge to take aboard. Laurie with his vast coaching experience skilfully shared loads of practical and effective tips how to teach people sailing. One of the best practical courses I have ever done. Thank you
 
 
Over the past five years both myself and my family have been lucky enough to receive fantastic sailing coaching from the instructors at Herne Bay Sailing Club. When the opportunity came up to undertake a Dinghy Instructor course myself I jumped at the chance. The course was a great confidence booster and provides the essential knowledge and skills necessary to coach safely and effectively to recognised RYA standards. It is an intensive course, but thoroughly enjoyable with a good mix of class-based and practical sessions.  I now have the confidence and competence to coach and support others who want to learn to sail. Many thanks to Laurie (Coach) and HBSC for supporting me though the training.

I thoroughly enjoyed the DI course and have come out of it a much better and more confident double-handed sailor, as well as raring to help out with HBSC training as a new instructor. I also will take what I have learned about teaching small groups in a highly-interactive way into my day job. Thanks to Laurie and Jo, who are both extremely good at teaching and coaching, and all the students on the course for a fantastic week on and off the water. It was fun and challenging.