With all  attention surrounding Jessica Watson's attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world unassisted, there may be many parents questioning the wisdom in allowing a 16 year old to take on such a seemingly risky endeavour. But sailing itself is not hard to do. It requires discipline and alertness but it is an activity that anyone can do.

Sailing is also a great family activity. Kids can start to learn to sail small boats from the age of 8 but younger kids can also get involved with Mum and Dad on bigger boats as long as they're wearing life jackets if they can't swim of course. It is huge fun for kids and they get to enjoy a sense of freedom by being out on the open water with the wind in their hair and salt on their face.

There are many benefits for kids in learning to sail including the fact that it teaches them an appreciation of nature. They learn how to read and interact with nature and they learn to rely on and cultivate their common sense. There are also specific skills to master such as how to calculate distance, how to read the weather, how a sailboat works and how to identify landmarks and sea life. The best part about this learning process is that it is so natural they hardly realize they are learning at all; to kids it just seems like a fun day out on the water.

Children from the age of eight and up can join the Cairns Yacht Club to learn one of the world's oldest and most adventurous sports. Starting in dinghy's (small one or two man crafts) the children can learn from competent and friendly trainers on the Cairns Inlet. From here they can progress their interest in sailing to the 'off the beach cat' (catamaran) division at Ellis beach. Both locations give the opportunity to try different styles of boats.

Get into small boat sailing 1 course will be held on Saturday mornings from the 17th of April to the 15th of May and Get into small boat sailing 2 course will be held on Saturday mornings from 12th of June to the 10th of July at the CYC on the waterfront in town. For those of you with a competitive streak, or those who just want to have a go, fun and interactive racing is held on Saturday afternoons.

Every Sunday the Yacht Club has a social sailing event at Ellis beach with racing every second weekend of the month. Anyone is welcome to go along and take advantage of the breathtaking scenery whether it is on the water or as a spectator from the club house verandah. Cold drinks and snacks are available at the kiosk. Junior yearly memberships are $50 with family rates also available. For upcoming dinghy training courses and race meets log on to http://www.cairnsyachtclub.com.au For more information about sailing at Ellis beach email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it