Youth Volunteering Kicks Off @ DBSC

by James Tudball

Volunteerism is a big part of our club's cultural fabric and the various roles that our members undertake is something that we're very proud of.

Historically, the club has not officially involved youth members with volunteering tasks or the club's roster for the on-water race-day management/canteen duty. But in 2024, after a number of accomplished youth sailors joined our club, we have decided to change and develop this position. This is also off the back of some great conversations with DBSC youth sailors and parents last year, when it became clear that they were keen and excited to volunteer more at our great club.

Our recently launched DBSC Youth Volunteering program will initially center around assisting Martin White with the Learn To Race program, and also tasking a delegated youth team with running selected Sprint Racing throughout the calendar year, learning all about safety out on the RIBs and race course, and the challenges of setting and adjusting courses as conditions change.

On Saturday we had our first youth team running the Sprint Racing. A big thanks to Healy Ryan, Sara Bruce, Theo McGonigle, Miles Greenwood, Olivia Aitken and Zoe Allen for being the first youth members to participate in this activity. A number of the sailors' parents also assisted, which was fantastic. And a special thanks to Rob Bruce and Craig Ryan for their on-water assistance.

I think those who sailed on Saturday would agree that the youth sailors mentioned above did a sensational job!

Speaking to the volunteer youth team on Saturday, I know that they really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute and they all learnt a lot from the experience as well.