Ladies Afloat
I picked up a copy of Devon Life magazine this weekend to read an article about Salcombe and was delighted to discover that there is a very special organisation which encourages women to get out on the water, ‘Ladies Afloat’.
Based at the Royal Dart Yacht Club (RDYC) in Kingswear, Devon, ‘Ladies Afloat’ has grown in size over the years, however it preserves its original aims which are, to provide a safe and enjoyable environment where women members of RDYC can practise and develop sailing skills and sample other water-borne activities.
Ladies Afloat does not aim to teach sailing but the programme offers a chance to try your hand at dinghies, keel boats, safety boats, Seine rowing boats, and general power boating and cruising. It offers grand opportunities to any woman who wants to discover the basics of sailing or to improve existing skills and understanding. There are theory workshops, practical exercises and – of course – social activities.
As well as providing a varied and enjoyable programme, a major objective of Ladies Afloat is to encourage the development of ladies’ sailing skills within the Club and to support those members who are willing to train to become RYA instructors. This creates a body of expertise available to Ladies Afloat, to Junior Sailing and the broader activities of RDYC as a whole. These activities can only be offered through the generosity and enthusiasm of those who give their time, expertise and use of boats, not just in sail training but in many other supporting activities.
Ladies Afloat offers a great forum for anyone who wants to improve her skills, to gain confidence and to extend her social life. The atmosphere is supportive, friendly and welcoming. They are inviting ladies to join them for the 2010 season. All you have to do is complete an application form which can be obtained from the Club Office.
If you would like to know more, please contact the Club…
The Club Office
Royal Dart Yacht Club
Kingswear
Devon
TQ6 OAB
Phone: 01803 752496
email: office@royaldart.co.uk
