In September 2018, the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT) issued a Grant to Junior Sailing Academy Bequia (JSAB) to purchase seven (7) second hand Dinghies (4 Laser Pico & 3 Optimist), which were to increase JSAB existing their fleet.
In January 2019, JSAB had acquired the dinghies, which were now being used by the young JSAB members, ages 11-16 years old, for their training programmes on Saturdays.
We visited JSAB on Saturday 12th January 2019 and saw first-hand their young sailors in action as they chartered a course around the Admiralty Bay in Port Elizabeth with their dinghies, which included the seven (7) dinghies donated by MCT.
The passion for sailing was apparent on the kids’ faces as they listened attentively at the earlier briefing but was even more so apparent when they were manning their dinghies on the water.
It is evident that JSAB Committee and Training Team are very passionate and committed to helping their young members to develop their sailing skills.
JSAB’s plans includes remedial classes in Maths and English for their members, which is necessary to increase their chance of success in their Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certification examinations.
With two members already certified at 2nd level (Day Skipper), JSAB was hopeful to have another five of their members attempt these examinations. The 2nd level Day Skipper certification increases these members employability in the yachting and sailing industry.
JSAB must be commended for their initiative that not only provides an activity for the kids but also hopefully provides an avenue for employability in the sailing industry.
The Mustique Charitable Trust funded seven (7) second-hand Dinghies at a cost of US$8,980 to assist with the sustainability of this much-needed programme for the youths of Bequia.
Briefing
Launching
Sailing
