The Apia Yacht Club (AYC) Annual Sailing Camp has wrapped up with organisers saying it was a successful weekend of sailing and team-building activities last week.

The camp also enabled its participants to have a sense of appreciation for Samoa's pristine coastal areas, beaches and ocean with safety and respect of the ocean a key element.

Commodore of Apia Yacht Club and an experienced sailor with a few Trans-Pacific crossings in his sailing career, Seiuli Ian Black, spoke of the camp and the benefits that it entailed for its participants in a media statement issued to this newspaper. 

"The popular yearly sailing camp for the AYC sailors is an opportunity for our sailors to sail in a different location. They learn about what to look out for, the weather, the wind, the waves and currents and any obstacles that can affect their boats," said Seiuli. "Usually at these camps, we mix up sailing with other on-shore activities, so that sailors learn to work as a team.  

"Teamwork, whether it is fast close haul racing or long passages is critical."

A group of 50 sailors and parents booked out the Tafatafa Beach at Brenda's Beach Fales. Three classes of boats were sailed at the camp. Optimist boats for the young sailors, Lasers for the more experienced and older sailors, and a vintage Sunburst sailboat for the more experienced Master sailors. 

Other activities included team events of Sand Art, Coconut Mix Relays, and Talent Show items which develop sailors'  teamwork, build confidence and healthy competition.

On the final night, a talent quest showcased three groups and once again teamwork, and creativity were key and included everyone. 

The annual Sailing Camp was capped off by the awarding of the AYC Camp Champ to Sailor Posesione Moe. This award is for an outstanding contribution by a sailor or member that exemplifies the values that the AYC promotes great sportsmanship, support, and learning the ropes of respectful responsibility.