Dedicated young sailors

Congratulations to Benji Borg and Karl Cremona for their excellent placing in the recent Optimist Open European Championships in Croatia. Congratulations also go to their parents for their perseverance and to Jean Fleri Soler for giving up his free time to coach these youngsters. No doubt without their encouragement and financial support these youngsters would not have been able to achieve their dreams and do Malta proud.

I have recently been able to observe these young sailors at their quasi-sailing club in St Paul's Bay and have been able to admire their dedication and enthusiasm to the sport. It is great to see young people putting their time and efforts in this sporting activity. Few would realise that this sport is not just a matter of being out in the water enjoying yourself and sailing in the breeze.

A lot of preparation goes into setting up the boats, which involves lugging various pieces of equipment to and from the boatsheds. Furthermore, once the boats are out of the water, each piece of equipment needs to be hosed down with fresh water, dried and stored safely, tasks which sometimes take over an hour. It was great to see these groups of sailors, some as young as six years, undertaking these tasks, helping one another, at most times with no adult interference or help.

Why a quasi-sailing club? Unfortunately, the club only consists of two storage sheds. I understand that various fund-raising events are being organised by the club members for the completion of a much- needed club house. I hope that the Maltese government and the people throw in their support, financial or otherwise, in helping to set up this club house. Who knows, this club might be harbouring future Olympic medallists.