The City of Qingdao is fast becoming a world recognised sailing centre. The local government has meticulously planned facilities, new roads, and amenities for the extra visitors during the Olympics 2008 Sailing Regatta. There stands a large countdown clock reminding us all that it will not be long before Qingdao takes centre stage as host to the sailing events next summer.
Yew Chung Education Foundation is proudly celebrating 75 years of dedicated education. In recognition of its commitment to global education Yew Chung International School of Qingdao was delighted to be able to support a very worthwhile children's project during summer 2007. The local government worked closely with the National Olympic Community Sailing Project, wishing to train 1000 local children to sail, bringing more attention to this exciting sport. As City Sponsors for the Sailing School Project, six YCIS QD students were invited to join for one week's training. Our students received their first instruction in a training boat on land. This simulator allowed the international instructors to address the important features of the boat, "going about" to turn as the wind changes, whilst beginning to feel comfortable with the movement of the boat.
Once the instructors were confident the children were ready, geared with a life jacket and rubber soled shoes; they waded out against the waves in pairs, pushing their boats out to a suitable depth. The instructors were positioned in motorised rubber inflatable boats; thus being able to patrol and guide each training boat. Sailing against the tide and natural force of the incoming waves was hard work, but eventually they were out at a suitable distance to be able to feel the sails fill with wind. The satisfying week progressed and their confidence was profound evidence of their efforts.
