Twenty-one girls ranging in age from 6 — 13 attended a girls-only sailing clinic over the Christmas break at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, with many BHS students in attendance.

Most of our attendees had never been in a boat before and were able to experience an Optimist first hand, as well as an introduction to the 420.

The head coach for the sessions was Katrina Williams, a BHS alumna, and Bermudian sailor, who is currently managing the youth programme at the Houston Yacht Club in Texas.

The weather cooperated for both days of the clinic, and the sailors were able to play sailing games like water volley ball, and relay races, followed by 420 sailing. The girls also took part in a custom youth CrossFit session with BHS alumna Carola Cooper’s company LifeThyme.

There was one capsize on the first day of the clinic, and the two novice sailors rallied and jumped back in the boat for the relay racing and for the 420 sailing the next day.

They were more surprised by the cold water than by tipping over!

As there was a mixture of ages and abilities in the group, a lot of the older more experienced sailors were able to help and nurture the younger or more inexperienced sailors, which is a great way to involve all age groups when it comes to girls sports.

The focus of the clinic was spending time in boats, learning together, rather than racing.

Another aspect of the clinic was to involve the mothers and a prize giving fashion show in which mothers and daughters could participate was organised. This was held at Muse restaurant and clothes were provided to mothers and girls by Cecile.

This allowed the mums the opportunity to learn more about the sport and to see the instructors in action on the water. Miss Bermuda, Katie Arnfield, came to talk with the girls about the positive aspects of being crowned Miss Bermuda, and travelling to the Miss World competition, and also some of the challenges she encountered along the way, so that the students could hear that getting to the top is not always easy.

Most of all a lot of fun was had by a bunch of girls, and mums, and all are looking forward to the next event.