On the 17th November a group of Grade 3 learners from Constantia Primary could not wait for the home time bell to ring, as they were super excited for the Sailing Therapy day to begin. Just after 2pm they were collected from school by one of our sponsors, African Blue Tours who brought them safely to the V&A Waterfront. This amazing group arrived full of smiles, laughs, excitement and such an eagerness to learn about sailing.
The afternoon started off with a motivational talk from our Founder Greg Bertish, who inspired them to survive and thrive regardless of their current situation. They then learnt about the importance of water safety and watched some really interesting videos. It was then time to learn about sailing – The children were very excited and couldn’t wait to get into the Optimist boat on land, before attempting it out on water. After some snacks, the time had finally come to do some sailing! Ethan aged 10 said that he was nervous to sail, but was also very excited to learn how to sail in a dinghy boat.
As the time got nearer to go out on the water, the more it started raining, but this wouldn’t stop this group! Optimistically, they told Greg to watch and see – that it was going to stop raining so that they could sail! Magically, when the time came to go outside, it stopped raining. They had an amazing time out on the water sailing with our experienced instructors. They couldn’t get enough of sailing and didn’t want the day to end! Many of the braver kids, got to sail their own boats and were able to experience the freedom, speed and feelings of joy, excitement, self-worth and achievement. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for these special children.
After such an adventurous time on the water, there was nothing better than a delicious hotdog and juice. With a full tummy and big smiles they made their way back to the conference room where each child received a certificate and a medal for the completion of the Sailing Day.
What a special day! The kids were all smiles and chatter as they climbed into their African Blue Tours bus for their trip home.
This day could not have been made possible without our sponsors, TWO OCEANS MARINE, ITALTILE and SOUTHERN WIND SHIPYARD. And thanks to the V&A WATERFRONT for their collaboration and partnership.
With Thanks,
The Children of Constantia Primary.
Thanks again too:
- Two Oceans Marine
- Italtile
- The Excellence Group
- Southern Wind Shipyard
- Ullman Sails
- The V and A waterfront
- Importers Coffee
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- The aquarium Foundation
- African Blue Tours
- South African Sailing
- National Sea Rescue Institute
