CPUT students were recognised for their commitment and dedication to a pilot sailing project which aims to transform the sport.

The sailing programme was held at the Royal Cape Yacht Club over five weeks and the students were commended for their outstanding attendance which averaged close to 100%. The project was made possible by SA Sailing Western Cape (SASWC), the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs, the Sailing Academy, the Royal Cape Yacht club and CPUT’s Department of Student Affairs.

“The result was that development and transformation took place automatically and furthermore, life skills were transferred whilst having fun,” says Bev le Sueur, SASWC’s Acting Chairperson. 
“What an inspiration and incredible story for these 14 CPUT sailors who five weeks ago had no knowledge of sailing but eagerly competed in not only the Portugal Day Race on 10 June 2017 but also the Youth Regatta two weeks later.”

Le Sueur added that history had been made, new life-long relationships formed and life skills earned through the project. Students obtained skills such as diversity management, teamwork, discipline, commitment, communication, time management and dealing with stressful situations.
“Our sailing family has grown and is being enriched by energy and passion for the sport of sailing and fun was had by all,” says Le Sueur.

Student Development Officer Anette Grobler says the students obtained valuable life skills.
“For the students, it was about acquiring a skill that might ultimately result in them being employed in the sailing fraternity.” 

Written by Kwanele Butana
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) has introduced a Learn to Sail programme, which equips students with a set of life skills while enjoying sailing.

Students learn skills such as diversity management as everyone on the boat is equal, the importance of teamwork, discipline, commitment, communication, time management and dealing with stressful situations from the programme for free.

“Your needs and desires are secondary to those of the group - as a group you have to navigate the boat to safety regardless of the weather or swell of the dunes,” says Student Development Officer Anette Grobler.    

The programme, which is made possible by SA Sailing Western Cape, Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs, the Sailing Academy, the Royal Cape Yacht club and DSA, started recently at the Royal Cape Yacht club with 18 students from all CPUT campuses.

It will continue until October and will resume in January next year and each programme lasts for five weeks.

Training takes place on Sundays.

“Currently, CPUT is the only university that offers this programme to its students,” adds Grobler.

In order to take part in the programme students must be able to swim. If not, they will still be trained in the art of sailing, but their training will mostly be focussed on the important role a person working on the “bridge” plays.  

Later this year, part of this programme will also include a “Learn to Swim” phase.

Students must attend at least four of the five Sunday sessions in order to receive a certificate at the programme’s graduation ceremony.

Students are transported to the yacht club and the bus from Cape Town campus will depart from the Admin Building at 09:30, while on the Bellville campus it will depart at 09:00 from the parking area in front of the New Library building.

Written by Kwanele Butana
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.