They just want to go out and sail and have fun and practice capsizing and righting and stuff like that. But at least in the process they ARE learning how to sail and are having fun at it. And, even better, they are learning on catamarans!!
So maybe that is what it is really all about when we are dealing with young kids and young teens. At least they are learning to love being on the water in sailboats.
I am certain that is the way it should be done. Focus on the fun part and let them learn trough games where nobody wins. After a while, if some of them wants to compete, get the regatta training program going in other nights. Some are probably never going to want to compete, but as long as we get them out on the water on cats for a good time, so what?
Yes, yes! You may be as surprised as I was by one of the things I learned by attending this year's US Sailing National Sailing Program Symposium. Many, many community sailing centers around the country count Hobie Waves as a big part of their programs and will tell you how popular they are with their sailors. AND there is an increasing focus on recreational sailing, because that's what people want.
US Sailing has just created an entire new branch for the purpose of developing and supporting recreational/non-racing programs.
As an aside, all of us who are involved in teaching sailing or introducing people to sailing should be attending the annual Symposium. For one it would raise our presence as a multihull community. There were maybe a handful of us there. The kiteboarders and windsurfers were there. Where were we?
The other biggie you get out of attending this kind of event is the value of the networking. I've met people from all over the country, I know what their strengths are and won't hesitate to call on them if I need some help, ideas, information, etc.
Not to mention the actual conference presentations are not only very informational, but entertaining and interactive. My favorites are where it is basically a round table where all of us focus on a particular topic and share with everybody else the good, the bad, and the ugly that we know or have experienced.
If you make the effort to attend you will be rewarded many times over. It really kicks up your own energy and enthusiasm for your own programs. You come away with tons of fresh ideas and excitement, and a support network to lean on during the coming year.
