Aleria's Adventures

Craig Leweck of Scuttlebutt has once again provided  commentary  on youth participation in sailing. He says that sailing was broken when it became 'soccerized'.  I agree. He goes on to cite an article in the NY Times by Tom Farrey who decided to investigate how different countries approach youth sporting activities. What he found is that one country has managed to succeed in satisfying children's needs in sport. They have done it through a statement on the Children’s Rights in Sport . Essentially, it gives kids the right to decide how they want to take part. Until the age of 13, they can do as they please. After that time, those who decide to be competitive and have the ability are provided with advanced coaching. The approach supports the vision: “Joy of Sport for All.” Craig asks could this work for sailing?  I say, for certain. If we change the minds of parents and politicians. But in this political arena, I don' think it can happen in the States at this ...

Messing about in boats Today's Scuttlebutt sailing newsletter has a Guest Commentary that rings true to me. For decades, I've been writing about this idea that we teach sailing the wrong way. Our sailing programs teach racing not sailing. We need a 'messing about in boats' program for all the kids who just want to have fun. I last wrote about it for Yachting World  in 2015 and it was picked up by  Scuttlebutt  in the US, Scuttlebutt Europe  and by the far-away  Phuket Race Week . I had started writing about it in the early 2000s on our website  and as editorials in local sailing publications. Participation in sailing was declining at multiple levels, but at the level of junior sailing, it was particularly noticeable and so very sad. It's nice to know that I wasn't off the mark and that others are now jumping on the bandwagon. Sorry for the jargon. Scuttlebutt has recently been encouraging readers to write in on the subject and they have been. Even U...