World Sailing has taken an important step in its mission to expand sailing worldwide through a collaboration with the Solomon Islands. This agreement has materialized in the delivery of a Level 1 Technical Coaching Course, which took place at the National Olympic Committee Conference Room and the Point Cruz Yacht Club in Honiara, the capital of the island nation. Supported by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity program, the course aims to strengthen local capabilities in water safety, boat handling, and technical coach training.
The course, led by World Sailing instructor Becky Ellis alongside staff from the Solomon Islands Sailing Association (SISA), gathered 14 participants who benefited from a week of hands-on training focused on fundamental sailing skills. At the end, each participant presented their future plans, demonstrating the direct impact of this program on the local sailing community.
STRENGTHENING LOCAL CAPACITIES
The course provided a valuable opportunity for coaches in the Solomon Islands to access high-level technical knowledge, enabling them to implement development programs across the islands. Geoffrey Baragamu, SISA’s Director of Sports Development, emphasized that the program not only enhances existing programs but also provides the necessary knowledge to train sailors of all ages and levels at their respective clubs. The course also covered crucial aspects such as risk assessment, protection protocols, sustainability, emergency planning, as well as leadership and coaching techniques for inclusive sailors, women, and youth.
This Level 1 Technical Coaching Course is just one of three levels World Sailing offers to coaches, including the Level 2 course for club coaches and the Level 3 course for high-performance coaches. Through this partnership, World Sailing aims not only to improve the technical quality of sailing in the Solomon Islands but also to ensure that the knowledge gained is spread throughout the country, promoting the development of the sport on a broader level.
