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11:50 Monday 8 Aug 2016 Sue Pelling/AAMCWHuge success for Try Sailing

Imogen and Campbell Forsyth from Kent full of enthusiasm after their first sail – photo Tom Gruitt/AAMCW

One of the most popular features at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the UKSA Try Sailing, which takes place every day. It gives those who’ve perhaps never been sailing before a chance to see what the sport is all about and hopefully be inspired enough to continue. It is also a great opportunity for visitors to the Island, regardless of sailing experience, the chance to see what it is like on the water during this world class regatta.

For an hour session with a UKSA instructor in a Colgate or J/80 keeboat, the cost is £10 for under 16s, £12 for adults, or £40 for a family. According to Caroline Rice from the UKSA the feature is really popular again and although there are still slots available, she said it is worth heading to the stand in the Yacht Haven to book a place.

“We are very pleased with how it is going. We have a couple of families who booked on the first day, loved it so much they have booked again, for later in the week. We’ve had plenty of children and adults, some of whom have never sailed before, which is really great.

Fernando Ramirez, from Valencia, Spain was preparing to head out with his family on the second session of the day. “This is the first time I’ve sailed and really looking forward to it. We have always want to try sailing but never had the opportunity in Valencia, nothing like this. I am hoping this will be the start of something great.”

Campbell Forsyth and his seven-year-old daughter Imogen, who live in Gurnard/Kent were another family to experience Try Sailing today aboard a Colgate keelboat.

A happy, smiling Imogen, commenting as she stepped ashore, said: “It was the best fun. It was really wavy and fun. It was my first sail. At the end I got to sit at the front and it was quite rough but before that something really funny happened, I pushed the tiller too far forwards and I almost fell off the boat. I really enjoyed steering.

“I also helped to put the sail up. In fact I did everything. I would say I enjoyed everything about sailing and I really want to go again. Actually next year when I am eight I will join the UKSA sailing club and learn properly.”

Imogen’s father, Campbell added:  “It was also my first time sailing. It was fabulous. Alice our skipper was wonderful and made us feel very safe out there. It was a great sail and learnt a bit about tacking. I did the jib while Imogen helped out with the steering. She was so excited about coming sailing she was up at 0530 ready to go. This is a wonderful introduction to a great sport. ”