Delegates from host country Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and Tanzania are taking part in a week-long level two sailing coaching course.

ISAF level two coaching course

08-May-2018

Sailing coaches upgrade their skills

Mr Holden (first left, photo left) speaking during yesterday morning’s opening ceremony

Delegates from host country Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius and Tanzania are taking part in a week-long level two sailing coaching course.

The course is being organised by the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) in collaboration with the National Sports Council and the opening ceremony took place yesterday morning at the Socga head office at Stad Linite, Roche Caïman.
International Sailing Federation’s training delivery manager Rob Holden, Socga president Antonio Gopal and Socga secretary general Alain Alcindor were present for official opening yesterday.
Mr Holden explained that he was here four years ago to run a level one course and pointed out that he has no doubt the officials have the ability to even make it to the level 4 training.
“We focus more on coaches who get people to sail, which is what’s needed in the region, because we want more people sailing. The main focus is to get more people sailing, but we will also be looking at areas of performance coaching to help sailors get to a higher level, of course looking at competitions such as the Pacific Games and African Championship. For this week, we’ll be doing sessions on the water as well as classroom sessions,” said trainer Holden.
He also explained that these days, people look more to the mountains, not to the ocean, so this opportunity will give coaches the knowledge on how to get people to sail, as well as what sailing is about.
Socga president Gopal said he is happy the level 2 coaching course is taking place here and that not only Seychellois are benefitting from it, but also coaches from the Indian Ocean region.
Mr Gopal added: “I hope you all succeed to eventually progress to level three and even level four”.
Among those following the training on the Seychelles side are long-time sailor Allan Julie and Seychelles Yachting Association chairman Alain Alcindor and executive committee member Lucy Athanasius.
“This course will help us get good coaches, as well as good athletes,” Seychelles Yachting Association chairman Alain Alcindor who is also Socga’s secretary general.
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