The crew of Young 88 keelboat Flying Machine are offering free training on foredeck crew work for those keen to get into the sport. In a series of on water sessions trainees will learn the art (and science) of spinnaker handling and foredeck crew work with a view to becoming a racing crew member.
The course will appeal to those with a competitive team spirt, sense of fun and enthusiasm to give yacht racing a go. Prior sailing experience is not required. You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete either but you will need some agility, balance and the ability to think on your feet. If you’re the type of person who likes to get out at the weekend on a mountain bike, a surfboard or on the water with a paddle in your hands then you’ll likely have what it takes. A series of on-water training sessions are being run this spring with an experienced crew who will act as instructors for each group of up to 4 trainees. Each trainee will get the chance to try different roles on the crew as part of the training session. Best of all, it will be fun… and it’s free. 
The Crew
Affectionately known as “Team Machine” the crew of Flying Machine have decades of competitive yacht racing experience between them. Regularly competing at keelboat regattas locally and in other regions the crew know how to enjoy themselves both on and off the water. Good boat handling and team work are key to competitive sailing. Every crew member has to play their part to get the best out of the boat and sailing fast is a huge amount of fun. Owner/skipper Craig Edwards is the South Island Young 88 Association rep and the team currently hold the South Island Young 88 class championship title. Safety Any outdoor activity carries some risks. Trainees will be instructed on how to keep themselves and their crew mates safe out on the water. 
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The Boat
Flying Machine is a Young 88 design keelboat 8.9m (29 feet) in length. The boat is one of a class of keelboats designed for racing and cruising. It is New Zealand’s most popular racer/cruiser class with an active class association with national and regional events. When racing the boat has a crew of 6 to 8 and is often regarded as punching above its weight and, when well sailed, is competitive against other boats of similar size or bigger. Flying Machine has been sailed out of Lyttelton for the past 10 years by owners Craig Edwards and Nicci Blain. The boat voyages regularly to the Marlborough Sounds each summer for family holidays cruising the waters of the Marlborough Sounds. 
The boat is well maintained and meets minimum standards for safety and equipment prescribed for inshore racing by Yachting New Zealand.
The boat will be sailed by a core of experienced sailors familiar with the boat and its emergency systems. These sailors are capable of handling the boat without the assistance or trainees should the need arise. Inflatable life jackets will be provided and a full safety briefing will be carried out before boarding. 
Preparation and what to bring
Dress for activity and bring an extra layer or two as it can be a lot cooler out on the water than ashore. In particular bring a windproof jacket. Trainers or court shoes are ideal footwear. You won’t get soaking wet but if conditions are fresh there can be spray and wet decks may lead to a wet bum. We will txt you early to advise of expected conditions on the day. A drink bottle and a snack are also a good idea to keep the hydration and energy levels up. For more information and session times call or txt Craig Edwards 0274 344 245 or email; craig.edwards@nz.knightfrank.com. |
