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Dinghy sailing
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Many of us can remember playing in dinghies as children - and the good news is, you can still enjoy it as an adult. We asked Nick Wymer, head of sailing at Plas Menai, Caernarfon, and coach to the Welsh dingy sailing team, to share his experiences of the sport and give some tips to those who'd like to give it a go.
How did you get started?
I was always encouraged to take to the water as a child because my father was a sailor. I studied engineering at Bangor University and participated in water sports in my spare time.
Where did you go from there?
In 1984 I decided to take a year off and qualify as a water sports instructor - and have been doing that ever since.
What clothing and equipment do you need?
The waters of North West Wales can be very cold all year round, so a wet suit is very important. You must have some sensible, comfortable footwear and it is a legal requirement to wear a light-weight buoyancy aid (which is different from a normal life jacket). Beginners would be advised to join a local sailing club and help crew someone else's dinghy before investing in their own. Sailing dinghies can cost from between £500 for a basic boat to £10,000 for a championship-standard vessel.
What's your most memorable experience?
I won the Hornet Dinghy class in the 1996 UK National Championships.
Have you got a favourite place?
The Menai Strait is an excellent place to go dinghy sailing.
Who's your hero/heroine?
Ben Ainslie - champion in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Any other points?
The biggest hurdle which faces sailing is the perception that it's an elitist and expensive sport, but it isn't. Everyone is welcome to join their local sailing club and help crew a dinghy, and good basic dinghies can be bought from about £500. It's a sport for anyone who enjoys sailing and the sea.
Where can I have a go?
You can receive training at Plas Menai or at any of the local sailing clubs, which are situated in most coastal towns in the North West.
Useful websites:
www.thewya.freeserve.co.uk
www.plasmenai.co.uk
More details about sailing in North West Wales.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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Lou Asman
I joined Felinheli sailing club in 2001. I had no previous experience but just went along and crewed for people with their own boats. I am still a member and have met a crowd of very friendly, helpful people I am proud to call friends. I still don't own my own boat, just pay a membership fee and sail Wednesdays and Saturdays. The cost is less than £100 a year! Plus I would agree with Tom Edge the adrenalin factor is 5+! It is a great way to meet like minded people who are prepared to get away from the TV and do something more interesting!
Thu Jan 10 13:04:48 2008
Clare Jones, Rhosneigr
Sailng is so much fun. I would recommend going to Plas Menai becuase it is so much fun! Its really really good fun. Deffoz get yourself on a course everyone! Go and learn how to sail!
Fri Sep 21 10:27:00 2007
Tom Edge from Poole
I've been sailing since I was six and I'm a little offended that sailing has only achieved 3/5 for adrenaline! I'm not from Wales (have sailed there occasionally though) and I don't know the high performance presence there, but there is a large community of sailors who I'm sure would agree that sailing is more exciting than longboat rowing (4/5) and dry slope skiing (5/5!). For more information, search for the 49er, Laser 5000 and 18ft Skiff classes and bear in mind that these are only a few of a plethora of high performance dinghies.
Mon May 24 20:33:24 2004
Sean Jackson from Chester
I myself am a sailer and I would say that it is the best sport going because the whole family can do it. Like football, you have to stop playing at 30 but with sailing you just keep on going until you think it is time to say no more now! That is when they go onto the bigger boats. You should try, and get out on the water. I will take you out. Sean Jackson,age 15 and I sail at Pen sailing club.
Thu Dec 18 14:09:38 2003
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