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Sailing is an excellent form of character education for young people.  Not only does it challenge them to overcome themselves, it also stimulates them to use their intellect and senses constantly as they maintain the balance of forces that keep the sailboat moving forward.

The SailSmart programme combines the exhilarating sport of sailing with the development of knowledge and concern about the natural environment of sailing. These include an understanding of the environment, weather, tides, decision-making, water safety, etc. It also develops important life-skills such as leadership and teamwork in a hands-on environment.  The qualities achieved through sailing will help young people face the challenges of life.

In this four day programme, participants are exposed to the ‘sailing environment’ – the sea, waves, coasts, wind and weather through hands-on activities.

They are introduced to different types of sailboats and the physics behind how sailboats work. They will experience sailing in a 3-4 persons sailboat specially acquired for this programme, called the Pacer.

At the end of the 4 day course the learning experiences that the participants would have had are:

• experienced steering & controlling a boat, and trimming the sails to catch the wind. We emphasize the value to take control, steer in the direction you want to go and seize every opportunity that life presents.

• a better understanding of the environment in which they live, the delicate nature of our planet and how we must treat it with respect for our future.

• an understanding of how the weather works, how to know when it would rain, why the sun will shine or wind will blow, when to carry an umbrella and put on sunscreen.

• gained water wisdom and be able to tell their parents why the tide is low or high, when is it safe to swim and when the current is dangerous.

• an understanding of how the tides relate to the earth, moon, sun and the planets.

• learnt how to care for themselves and their equipment.

• acquired the principles of seamanship - to have respect for nature as nature cannot be controlled. But we can adapt and trim our sails and face any challenge that life presents.

• The importance of working in a team for success and standing up, taking charge and providing leadership of a group to collectively achieve success.

SingaporeSailing aims to launch this programme nationwide in September for Primary and Lower Secondary students in Singapore.

Download SailSmart brochure here.

To find out more, please contact Aileen Ho, Training and Development Officer (High Participation), at Tel: 64444 555 or email aileen(at)singaporesailing.org.sg

For SailSmart instructors' information, please click here.