QUOILE YACHT CLUB - Recognised Training Centre

The Quoile RTC has now awarded Powerboat certificates to almost 60 people, mostly members but also members from adjacent Sailing Clubs in Strangford Lough. John Middlemiss has taken over as RTC Principal and with him John Magowan, Chief Powerboat Instructor. During 2008, I should like to increase the number of qualified power boat drivers. Why not put your name on the course lists or give your name to me or the instructors.

The starter course is the Powerboat level 1 course and can be taken from the age of 8 years. Between 8 and 12 years this qualification allows use of safety craft but with a responsible adult on board. This is a one day course with an Instructor/pupil ratio of 1:3.

The Powerboat level 2 course can be taken from the age of 12 years. Between 12 and 16 this qualification allows the use of safety craft under the supervision of a responsible adult, not necessarily on board. This is a two day course with an Instructor/pupil ratio of 1:3. Most Club members should be able to go directly to this course.

The Safety boat endorsement can be taken from the age of 16 if you have a level 2 certificate. This is a worthwhile two day course with an instructor ratio of 1 to 6, with two boats. This course covers rescue management and rescue techniques for all kinds of craft.

These are the main qualifications but you can also go on to an Intermediate Powerboat qualification which includes passage making and an Advanced Powerboat qualification which includes night passages under GPS.

Two members Caoimhe McKeating and Hammy Baker are Sailing Instructors. Sailing Instruction within an RTC must be carried out under the management of a Senior Sailing Instructor and the club is now actively looking for someone who can fulfil this role.

The Sailing Secretary Michael Bready did an excellent job last year developing the Sunday morning sessions with the juniors and I look forward to increased numbers in the coming season.

John Middlemiss

This has mainly been due to the ongoing efforts of Liam McKeating, Brian Crawford and Brian Baker and their teams who have led the junior sailing programme during these years.

The requirements that had to be met to gain this status are listed below:

1          Clubs are required to:

Provide a structured Junior Race Training Programme in a minimum of one the following recognised RYA Junior Classes: Optimist, Topper, Cadet, Mirror
Provide regular class specific racing and coaching for the Recognised junior class(es)

Deliver a minimum of one Racing Red and Racing White Course per Season.
Provide access to and encourage sailors to attend relevant Open Training
Encourage sailors to attend Zone Squad Qualifiers, Zone Championships and other key Class Association and RYA events.
Guide their promising youngsters into the recognized youth classes. Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 420, 29er and Hobie 16.

Develop a structured Race Training Programme in one of the recognized youth classes should the club have a suitable piece of water. Track the progress of each sailor.

2.            Junior Sailing Recruitment Programme

Clubs are required to have a recruitment programme sufficient to sustain their Junior Race Training Programme.

3.            Junior Social Programme

Clubs are required to have an appropriate social programme for their junior sailors.

4.            Junior Programme Personnel

Clubs are required to have an individual(s) covering the following key roles: Youth Co-ordinator, RYA Club Racing Coach (minimum of 1) Recruitment and social programme co-ordinator.

In no small way this programme has led to the Quoile successes in the last few years.

Following their success in Toppers, Rory, Matthew and Theo Murphy have been selected for RYANI  'Youth Squad' 2005 sailing Lasers.

Hammy Baker and Caoimhe McKeating have been selected for RYANI 'Junior Squad' 2005 and the ITCA (Ire) Squad 2005 sailing in Toppers.

In Toppers we have an Ulster Champion (Rory Murphy) and a National Champion (Theo Murphy).

Quoile had an unprecedented number of young sailors (13) competing in the Topper World Championships held in Carnac, France.   All achieved good results in testing conditions and Rory Murphy sailed exceptionally well to finish 15th overall. This was a great experience for sailors and parents alike and produced a wonderful team spirit.

The 2004 Golden Cow Games team prize was won by the Quoile team.

In 2004 Theo won the Youth Championships.

The Champion Club Status allows the Club to have two days coaching each year from RYA Instructors paid for by RYA. Brian has this programmed into the Junior Sailing programme this year. 

An important aspect of all Sailing development is the on shore structured activities. This year Drew Rickard will be in charge and will appreciate any assistance members can offer. 

The popular Sunday morning Sailing and training will continue so please encourage your children to take part.  All new families with children wishing to learn to sail will be welcome. 

Rescue cover during the Sunday racing has been led by Paul Magowan, assisted by Gordon Baker.  Paul went on to win the 8 – 12 age group in the Honda/RYA RIB National championships and the club now has a new rescue RIB.

Champion Club Status is likely to change during the year.  Details are on the RYANI web site  www.ryani.org.uk Apart from a new flag there will be additional coaching and a new Manual.  Members working on the Champion club programme will be eligible for a 40% discount on selected Musto clothing.