Bermuda Sailing Association, in conjunction with the Department of Education, begins its annual WaterWise Programme teaching students how to sail.

In addition, this year two schools will pilot a new interdisciplinary curriculum that teaches the principles of sailing through many different subjects and not just sports.

The new WaterWise curriculum has been written by Elizabeth Chang, a curriculum specialist who has also been working with the Bermuda Sloop, to ensure that it is interdisciplinary.

The ACE Foundation donated $8,000, which has been used to develop this curriculum, which will be piloted by two physical education teachers, Erika Russell from Whitney Institute and Naquita Robinson from T.N. Tatem.

Deborah Sullivan Gravelle, programme director, Bermuda Sailing Association, said: "The kids learn about points of sail as well as parts of the boat in the WaterWise Programme and the new curriculum will ensure that what the students are taught in their sailing classes is of value to their wider education.

"They learn about things like force and motion which are principles directly related to sailing but also relevant to science.

"With the new curriculum, they will be able to learn about sailing in their geometry class and they can even write about sailing in English lessons to reinforce their language skills.

"Many children today are labelled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which often means that their language skills aren't that strong but that they do have greater than average analytical and spatial skills.

"We have found that the way that WaterWise is structured really benefits their learning because it is so hands-on and experiential, and because it isn't education in a sit down and listen sense, all students really enjoy it."

In June, the students will put their new skills and knowledge, learned through the WaterWise Programme, to practice on the water.

Students will use Opti sailboats at various places around the Island including at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.