Sam's Blog

April 2009

During the first week of training we have been working towards qualifying for the first Dinghy Instructor course next week. During the week we have been trying out different boats and progressing our skills. I would like to get my DI (Dinghy Instructor) course next week.

During the week we have been trying out different boats and progressing our skills. I would like to get my DI as I’m on the first assessment then hopefully get to do my beach lifeguard, safety boat and maybe my multihull endorsement later in the season. The past week I have learnt how to sail different boats and improve my skills.

Once getting down here, I didn’t know what to expect. But from the off, I have enjoyed every moment up to now! The people I’ve met are awesome, all in a similar position as me. The trainers/instructors are very helpful and sound about everything. Evening activities are just starting up.

So far we have had movie nights, tribal night fancy dress, rugby match between the candidates and trainers, which the trainers won this time! We also had a swim and run one evening, various games and then having the bar open to chill out every evening with music.

Living on site has been interesting and difficult at times. We are in tents that are not very warm as it is still only April. Also, when it rains a lot, the ground doesn’t seem to absorb very quick, so we have had a few close misses to flooded tents. With no electric in tents either at the moment, it makes life a bit more difficult. But the showers and toilets do have electric to charge phones etc. One thing I am slightly disappointed about is having no internet here at the moment.

Daily routines are tough to get into during the start of training. It’s a full on day starting at 8am for breakfast, coach leaves at 8.30am to go to the lake where we train. Have a full day on the lake; get off lake at 4pm then a meeting at 7.30pm after dinner. With only 1 day off a week and not many early nights, it can get to you.

Overall, I’m enjoying sailing, getting new qualifications and working towards being an instructor. It’s an awesome atmosphere, every day and evening is chilled. Mimosa is positioned in a great place on the Med and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season already!