THE Fiji Yachting Association launched the first Emerging Nations Program to be held in Fiji with the help from the International Sailing Federation at Suva Point on April 24.
The program consists of 24 sailors from six different Oceania countries. The program is deigned for under-19 sailors from Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, PNG, Guam and hosts Fiji. The clinic will run from April 24 to April 30.
To increase the level of knowledge of the sport during the clinic two expert coaches from ISAF are currently in the country to guide the sailors during this clinic. Tim Cross from England and Andrew Glouston from New Zealand are the two coaches.
President Fiji Yachting Association Shayne Brodie said the clinic would help the Oceania teams to better their understanding of the sport.
“It’s a big plus for Fiji to host the clinic and also for the sailors present here from the six countries. We are grateful to ISAF and OSAF for their contribution towards the sport and making it grow,” Brodie said.
“We have been facing a lot of problems recently with no major sponsors recently and the sewage spill we had few months ago. Also since sailing is considered a minority sport there isn’t much interest from the people to try the sport.
“Our future plan is to have school program and also try to get the business house competition running.”
Meanwhile the Oceania Sailing Championship will be held from May 1-May 4 at the Suva Point foreshore.
It will be an open tournament in three different categories which includes the Hobbie 16, Laser Men’s and Women’s and Optimist which is a category for under-15 sailors. 70 sailors from Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, PNG, Guam and Fiji will be taking part.
John Tierney said after the Oceania meet an eight sailor member team would be selected to take part at the SPG Games later in the year.
