THE Port Stephens Sail Junior Regatta was a great opportunity for 15 young people to hone their sailing skills.

The yardstick handicapped system event saw the President’s Award go to St Philip’s Christian College student, Rebecca Petterson with Noah Davis receiving line honours in two races.

“It’s great to see the young students now achieving a standard of skill where they can now compete in sailing regattas,” Mr Graham Oborn, Chief instructor at Soldiers Point Marina Sailing School told Bay News Of The Area.

Mr Oborn, who has 60 years experience in Sailing, offers free sailing lessons to Tomaree High School and St Philip’s Christian College students during the first and fourth term of the school year.

This term St Philip’s took up the call to sailing with students gaining confidence with their new found skills.

Since the sailing school began five years ago, there has been more than 500 students and adults learn how to sail.

A young woman from Victoria recently contacted Mr Oborn for lessons so she could compete in the Port Stephens Regatta.

Having limited experience in sailing, she wanted to be able to use the correct terminology and to learn how to be a part of a crew.

After three days of training she completed the Keel Boat Training Course, receiving a certificate and entering the Regatta as a crew member.

“This young lady has now caught the bug for sailing and is looking forward to participating in the next Regatta after falling in love with our beautiful waterways of Port Stephens,” Mr Oborn said.

Instruction is available in Dinghies, Racing and Keel Boat Training through the Soldiers Point Marina’s Sailing School.

Contact Mr Graham Osborn on 0418 687531 for more details.

By Jewell DRURY