Club members are busy preparing for the season ahead; maybe taking their boat to the club, delivering sails, cleaning hulls or simply catching up with friends. Racing kicks off this weekend and what a year to look forward to – especially the 2012 Olympic sailing at Weymouth. A special year to make the most of your time on and off the water. Here’s a few ideas to start with…

Opening lesson
Charlie Henderson helming his RS Feva opened the Melvyn Cooper sailing season with his lesson on Saturday 10th March 2012.

What a stunning day with a gentle force 2 and sunshine. Learning how to rig the RS Feva correctly, tacking techniques upwind, gybing and spinnaker handling made a great day of sailing. Charlie added; “I learned so much about my RS Feva in just one day. I can’t wait for my next lesson”

Set up & spring clean
If you have limited time and wish to be ready to sail at the first opportunity why not ask Melvyn Cooper Sailing to clean your boat, check your rig set-up, all control lines and fittings so you are prepared for the new sailing season.

Club race coaching
As part of an RYA Adult Participation initiative in 2012 Hayling Island Sailing Club are staging a 6 series race programme inviting sailors to experience racing at club level. The first date is 19th May followed by 2nd June, 7th July, 4th August, 1st September and 6th October. The day starts with a briefing followed by on the water coaching and a debrief after the race from Melvyn Cooper Sailing. To book any of the dates please contact HISC direct on 02392 463768. (HISC members only)

Lesson 30 to Itchenor
Two HISC members fromLadies that Launch sailed the RS Vision to Itchenor on 14th May in strong gusts of force 5. The return journey was close-hauled and very lively in the gusty conditions which took over 2 hours against a flooding tide. Helen and Louise were exhilarated with their achievement which added another element to their expanding sailing experiences.

Ladies that launch
Louise Wright founder member of HISC Ladies that Launch was focused on sailing early this sailing season with her friends. The concept of the HLTL sessions is focused on improving sailing skills and gaining confidence. Coached by Melvyn Cooper Sailing the first of 7 sessions took place on Tuesday 24th April covering subjects such as launching and returning ashore safely, points of sailing and the 5 Essentials. A series of 6 more dates are scheduled on 21st May, 18th June, 16th July, 13th August, 10th September and 8th October. Contact HISC on 02392 463768 to make a booking (HISC members only).