On the Water - Butterknowle Scouts

Published 18:15 on 9 May 2025

The first of the Club's community sailing sessions to place last Saturday, as Butterknowle Scouts (Beavers Section) rocked up with a group of kids eager to try sailing for the first time and to earn their Stage 1 Scout Sailing Badge.

After a learning about the importance of buoyancy aids and wearing the correct clothing while on the water, the section split into threes. The first group of beavers headed off in the powerboat for a tour of the lake, a second group took to the water in a Bahia for a taster sail with James A and Dave T, while a third stayed by the shore to try out tacking on a leash.

Things seemed to be going well, but as ever the weather didnt play ball. As the first group switch approached, the breeze switched direction and kicked up a gear (or two or three). A rethink was called for. The Oppies were quickly deployed sans sails and everyone was towed up to Pirates Creek for a game of boat tag!

Eventually the breeze calmed down. While tag continued, the Bahia took to the water again and by the end of the session everyone had enjoyed a taster sail in the boat.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped out at the session. We couldnt run them without you

We look forward to seeing the Cubs up at the Club in June for their chance to take to the water.