Tuseday scouts have had a great weekend sailing at Llandegfedd Reservoir near Pontypool with the brilliant Chris, Claire, Oscar and Alan from the Newport SWAT sailing team.
With a bright and early start meeting at Beaver Lodge, before a short journey over to the reservoir.
Upon arrival there was much discussion; it was windy, very windy, which yes is good for sailing but not so great for our beginners, although good for practising man overboard with the safety boat.
Decision made, safety kit on and it was out to the luggers a nice sturdy boat for the gusty conditions each fitting 6 crew and our captains Chris and Alan.
Scouts split into two groups. We were straight into Moby the power boat for a short trip to the luggers which are moored in the deeper waters. Taking it in turn, two scouts controlling the jib sail and one taking the helm. A lovely morning tacking up and down the water.
After lunch it was onto the much smaller RS fevas, spliting the scouts into three boats. First teaching them to rig the boats it was then onto the water, with sails reefed as still windy. The afternoon spent crisscrossing the reservoir with Chris ,Alex and Scott as captains taking the helm and showing them the ropes. Athough I question two of the captains for knocking some of their own crew out of the boats with the boom!! No names Chris and Alex.
Whilst in the back ground was our own Steve M (who kindly helped transport kit) battling the conditions around the lake on his paddle board.
After a night at CRIA scout campsite it was back on the water using the RS fevas. This time, as the winds had subsided the scouts were on their own getting to grips with sail and tiller. With Steve C on shore duty looking after scouts who hadn’t quite found their sea legs.
The afternoon was lead by Oscar with all the scouts on one gaint paddle board playing a range of games which mainly meant all the scouts falling off and jumping competitions where we had some interesting dives and belly flops to judge.
An excellent weekend messing about on the water with 10 worn out scouts, what could be better.
More rice anyone!
