The T.S. Talisman Sea Cadets are offering Nelson 12 ­ 14 year olds a free opportunity to get out on the water this Saturday (4 November), thanks to Coastguard Boating Education and Toyota Financial Services.

The Day Skipper Experience is a half-day practical learning experience aboard, where students have the opportunity to gain essential boating knowledge while participating in crewing or skippering the vessel. Key areas of safe boating introduced include skipper responsibility, essential boating equipment, navigation, rules & regulations, emergencies, and knots.

Each participant receives a Day Skipper Experience student manual, a participation certificate and a free lunch! The instructors are senior Sea Cadets, who have completed the in depth Day Skipper course, and will be supervised by adult staff.

"It's going to be a blast," says Carmon Benson, who leads the T.S. Talisman Sea Cadet unit. "It's the first time this has been offered in Nelson on a vessel other than the Spirit of New Zealand, and it's giving senior students the opportunity to pass on their knowledge to younger ones."

The program will be held aboard the 19 metre Sh'khinah, based at the Nelson Marina, and the BBQ will be at the TS Talisman boat shed, at the head of "A" dock.

Space is still available, with sailings from 9:30 ­ 12, and 1-3:30pm, but reservations are a must. Contact Carmon Benson to register, or for more info, on 547-4818 email: cbenson[at]tstalisman.com

ENDS

See... Sponsorship for students to participate in the Coastguard Day Skipper Experience (PDF)

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