Conningbrook Lakes in Ashford helping young sailors with Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Dinghy sailing has started again at Conningbrook Lakes in Ashford with several young people progressing towards their assistant instructor qualifications in the Easter holidays.

Ollie Forster has also been sailing as part of his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, and looks forward to helping out at Conningbrook over the coming months. His mother Liz works at the local dinghy boat manufacturers Topper International in Ashford which has given its support to the sailing club since it started in 2015 when the Conningbrook Lakes Country Park opened.

Ollie says: "I really enjoy learning a new skill and it willl help towards my D of E Bronze too. Conningbrook Lakes is a good place to learn to sail as everyone is very friendly."

The Principal of the RYA Recognised Training Centre Bernard Sealy adds: "It is always a great pleasure to have youngsters who choose sailing as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Perhaps with the news of his sad passing it is also poignant to remember that the Award was set up to provide confidence in their own abilities together with self-reliance - something that sailing provides enormously. Ollie like the many before him and the many yet to come will benefit from the experiences gained on the water and we in our small way are privileged to play a part."

Conningbrook Lakes Sailing Club also has both RYA OnBoard recognition for its sailing opportunities for young people as well as RYA Sailability recognition for its inclusive approach. If you are interested, you can make an enquiry online.