Just four days after taking too the water in their Optimist dinghies following dry-land training at their schools, select middle school students (ages 11-13)—'the best of the best'—competed in Hamilton Harbour as part of the Waterwise junior sailing programme. Boys and girls. Black and white and portuguese and other demographics, by appearance. I was aboard 'Friendship' with parents and educators to watch this regatta in miniature and get their thoughts on the Waterwise programme, which aims to develop confidence in kids under 16 through exposure to the water and sailing. Several more experienced students mentored the new recruits and showed off their skill at maneuvering these small one-design sailboats. The kids navigated to and from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and around the course near White's Island, dwarfed and seemingly unphased amidst enormous departing cruise ships and tug boats not far away. A couple novices capsized and were left to use their own weight and determination to right their vessels. Later, after putting away their equipment, the group was taken up to RBYC's elegant Prince Albert Room, decorated with maritime honours and collections. Waterwise leaders reminded of the role of sailing 'as an integral part of our history and culture', thanked the parents present and the Department of Youth & Sport for their crucial support, and presented the young sailors with certificates of achievement as 'All Star' Sailors.
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