Children in the Pietermaritzburg and Howick area are being given a chance to try their hand at sailing.
South African Sailing is teaming up with the KZN Department of Sports and Recreation to offer two open days to be hosted at the Henley Midmar Yacht Club on August 17 and August 31.
These free sessions will give youngsters, who may never have had the opportunity to step foot on a boat before, the chance to experience the thrill of being out on the water while learning important sailing skills.
Organisers have said the sessions, which will take place at Midmar dam from 10am on both days (and will be run in two-hour slots until 4pm) are targeted chiefly at children between the ages of eight and 11, but are open to anyone interested. No experience or qualification is necessary and life jackets will be issued to all participants on the day.
"The whole purpose of these days is that we are starting a full time sailing school for those who want to learn to sail in the KZN Midlands and further afield for those that are prepared to travel," explained one of the organisers, Derek Wilkes.
"The idea is that once the students have completed the training course they will be offered training berths on Henley Midmar Yacht Club members' boats in order to put to practise what they have learnt and to gain more experience," he added.
Anyone interested in attending these open days, which are free should contact the HMYC office on 033 330 4158.