Almost 150 young sailors have developing their skills as part of Bermuda Sailing Association's (BSA) sixth annual WaterWise programme.

The programme, which started earlier this month, involves M1 students from eight schools across the Island who began with the dry-land sessions using the Opti Simulators on the school courts and fields.

These sessions include seminars on points of sail and parts of the boat as well as practicing boating skills.

It is a feeder programme into the Sloop Programme, which is targeted at M3 students and is put together by the same curriculum developer as the Sloop Programme. ACE has donated $8,000 toward developing the curriculum.

In June, the students will put their new skills and knowledge into practice on the water. They will use Opti sailboats at Darrell's Island, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, Sandy's Boat Club and Sea Cadets (St. George's).

Deborah Sullivan Gravelle, BSA program director, said: "Sailing is, and has always been, a national past-time in Bermuda. This programme gives us the opportunity to teach young Bermudians how to sail.

"It really gets the students involved in the sport. Sailing also teaches the kids appreciation for the water and the marine environment.

"It's easy to see that the students just love getting out on the water, and it really teaches them how to engage in competitive sports. We have seen great success from the WaterWise Programme in the past. One student from last year's programme, Dimitri Stevens, came 44th in the South American Championships this March. We look forward to another great year and many more success stories."

The BSA hosted a reception yesterday at the ACE building, with all the WaterWise programme participants invited. The reception was a fundraiser for grants for programme graduates who wished to continue sailing and attend events overseas.

ACE challenged BSA to raise $15,000 and agreed to match everything they raised up to that amount.

The BSA is the governing body for the sport of sailing in Bermuda and is recognised by the Bermuda Government and the International Sailing Federation. It was formed more than 30 years ago by the sailing clubs of the Island, the racing classes and individuals who participate in sailing activities.

For more details visit www.bermudasail.bm