For so many, the easing of lockdown rules brings around opportunities we’ve been longing for. A chance to meet our friends again, hug our families and resume sport. Sailing is an opportunity that enables people to live an active, healthy and enriched life while progressing through the sport.
It can bring people together in the long-term, through collaborative and sustainable efforts such as our notorious events and competitions. We love being able to showcase how valuable sailing is, particularly for youths and their development. There are so many reasons why sailing is great for our well-being, both physical and mental. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Promotes a healthy and active lifestyle
- Aids coordination, balance and flexibility
- Experiencing the highs and lows of winning… and losing
- Meeting new people with similar interests
- A great way for families to exercise together
- Good for mental health
- Can create personal challenges and set goals
Why is sailing good for me?
In addition to all the benefits above, sailing is an opportunity for all to develop confidence and motivation. You can also gain transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking, multitasking and teamwork. Developing knowledge around wind theory, ropework and tides is useful across all water sport disciplines.
Getting back to the ‘new normal’
As we emerge out of lockdown, we are able to reignite our social lives. We may have become comfortable in our own space and company over lockdown, so we might have to push ourselves a little bit more to reconnect with friends and family. Sailing is the perfect relaxed way to see each other again in the outdoors.
Of course, some of us haven’t been on a boat in a while… maybe because of coronavirus or just because we haven’t had the time. Now that we’ve had the chance to stop, think and revaluate our lives – you may have come to the same conclusion as us… sailing is a must.
Easing yourself back into sailing
It’s important to sail within your ability as you ease back into the sport. We have a wide range of boats suited for different capabilities and some that challenge your skills. A perfect starting place if you are new to the sport is the RS Quest or RS Venture. They are ideal since they provide a very stable environment for both youth and adults taking up sailing, as well as those wishing to move on to a more intermediate level, such as spinnaker handling. They both perform very well in a variety of wind conditions, without becoming too much to handle.
However, if you just want to blow off the cobwebs, the RS Neo and RS Aero are perfect for practising lost skills! As Marieke, our Netherlands dealer says, “The RS Neo is ideal for teaching in and durable but has great performance and is far from boring!”. Find out which boat suits you best by looking at our boatfinder.
Click the links below to share this with your friends and family that you want to see out on the water this season!
