Turning coursesFour days inclusive sailing
The WENDEKURS is a joint sailing event organised by the sailing club and the crew of the TURNING POINT Foundation. Sailing takes place on the Foundation’s Sonar boats, as well as on the club’s boats. On the first day, there is an introductory workshop for dedicated club members, including practical sessions on the boats. For the remaining three days, up to 50 young people with disabilities or from socially disadvantaged backgrounds are invited to sail with us.
The courses are ideal for clubs that already have some experience with inclusive sailing activities and now wish to take the next step. The club’s board and membership wish to integrate disadvantaged people more intensively and systematically into club life – both in sporting and social terms. The necessary infrastructure, club boats and interested, committed (youth) coaches are already in place.
On the TURNING POINT boats (Sonar class) and the club boats, two experienced coaches each ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience at all times for groups of four people who are sailing for the first time in their lives.
And at the end of each day, we see beaming faces among the participants. Club members and coaches have made initial contact that day with the enthusiastic sailing beginners and their carers. The upcoming regular sailing sessions are discussed. The next step towards lasting turning points – for both the participants and the club – has been a success.
All in the same boat: sharing successes, facing challenges together
The WENDEKURSE offer young people with disabilities the opportunity to experience a day’s sailing at a local sailing club under expert guidance. Safety and fun are the top priorities. Every participant learns how to steer the boat and handle the sails. All participants sail together, share successes and tackle challenges, each according to their own abilities. Their disability takes a back seat or is left behind on dry land altogether. This fosters a sense of inclusion and, in the long term, leads to experience-based turning points in their lives.
Sustainability – a long-term commitment to the club
Our previous INTRODUCTORY COURSES have regularly sparked great interest amongst participants in continuing to sail with the club. It is therefore crucial that, at the end of each day’s sailing, specific, follow-up sailing training sessions are offered. Any related issues must be clarified not only with participants but also with supervisors and the relevant organisations. Ideally, the club will have mentors (e.g. older members) who can guide the beginners through their first few weeks. The key factor is whether and how the club can ensure inclusive sailing programmes in the long term. That is why we at the TURNING POINT Foundation focus on the sustainability of the club’s programmes right from the preparation stage. And we remain by their side to provide support in the long term, should the need arise. The WENDEKURSE are free of charge for both participants and sailing clubs.
Would your club like to organise a TURNING COURSE?
We offer four TURNING COURSES per year. Apply for a TURNING COURSE with your club to take the next step towards more inclusion through sailing with us.
The TURNING POINT team will be happy to answer your questions at any time.
Do you have a disability or face social disadvantage and want to go sailing? Or do you look after children or young people in these circumstances?
Contact us and we will put you in touch with sailing clubs that have already carried out TURNING COURSES or TURNING STARTERS with us and have a sailing offer ready for your needs.