Britain’s golden chances
16 Aug 2008
Ainslie will get Silver or Gold in the International Finn class today, whilst the Yngling girls will get Bronze or better
Full story @ BBC Sport
Ainslie, Sarah, Sarah and Pippa look good for gold.
Ben Ainslie looks good for his third sailing Gold, whilst the golden Yngling girls are leading their class.
14 Aug 2008
Full story @ BBC Sport
Ainslie’s secret in Going for Golds
10th Aug 2008
Ben Ainslie has won Gold in Sydney(Laser) and Athens (Finn), and now is going great guns in China. Three Golds would put him up among the all-time UK Olympic greats Coe and Holmes. What’s his secret?
Full story @ BBC Sport
International Sailing Federation
Royal Yachting Association
British Sailing Team in Olympics and Paralympics
Sailability (disabled)
http://www.paralympics.org.uk has a section on sailing.
Looking for a fast, exhilarating water-sport, which is both hi-tech and traditional?
People of all ages, abilities and fitness enjoy sailing – you just need to enjoy being on (or in) the water. Fast sailing is exhilarating, slow sailing is relaxing. There are few sports where you are so totally immersed in the natural environment with birds, seals, wind and water (sometimes too much! ;o) ).
The UK has one of the most vibrant and diverse dinghy racing scenes in the world with over 100 different classes of dinghy and over 1,500 strongly supported clubs all around the coast, and inland on lakes, rivers and even old gravel pits. The club sailing season runs from Easter to autumn.
You can sail in small open dinghies, larger keelboats, double-hulled catamarans, yachts designed for ocean or coastal cruising, and purpose-built racing boats. Sailing boats range from space-age materials to traditional varnished wood, canvas and copper.
You don’t have to be fit to sail and it’s great for physically disabled and visually impaired people on suitable dinghies and yachts - over 200 UK clubs have Sailability facilities.
Sailing is not as expensive you might expect from its reputation; all you need to ‘crew’ are waterproofs and a lifejacket - and they are often provided.
Sailing with a club is generally very safe, and there is usually a safety motor-boat keeping a eye on races and training classes. It is a good idea to be able to swim, but not essential. Bouyancy aids are worn by everyone in small boats, and by non-swimmers in all boats.
Britain has a strong team for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic games, in a number of classes. Paralympic sailing keelboats are one (2.4mR), two (SKUD-18) and three person (Sonar). Olympic sailing classes are Laser (men), Finn (men), 470 (men and women), Laser Radial (women), Tornado catamaran (mixed) and the 49er skiff, for men and women.
take part? just you | small group | with family
where? outside
energy/fitness level? you’ll sweat a bit
sociability? can usually talk
disability access*? ok with help
can be played? competitively | as friends
contact sport? non-contact
try it cost? low
play it cost? low | moderate | high
* Individual circumstances vary hugely, and this affects participation in any sport. This guide is necessarily general in nature and may not suit your situation.
decided to give Sailing a go? Well done!
The easiest way to start is with a club, as crew on a two-person dinghy, or a larger yacht. Sailing clubs are friendly and sociable, welcoming beginners, sailors and supporters. Most clubs run sailing claases for beginners, or you may find a skipper willing to teach you ‘on the job’.
So the next step is to find a club near you. Also see the links in ‘More Information’ on the right and on the getting started page.
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