 WHAT IS A PELICAN?
The
Pelican sailing dinghy is the premier training dinghy for junior sailors
in Western Australia. Developed over 40 years ago it is still the best
two-man dinghy for young sailors to commence their sail training. The
Pelican is 2.9 metres in length, constructed of either wood or fibreglass,
with either aluminium or wooden spars. The gaff-rig sail configuration,
combining mainsail and spinnaker, gives young sailors a boat that is easy
to handle, whilst at the same time teaching the fundamentals of sailing.
WHO SAILS PELICANS?
The Pelican can be sailed by boys and girls from 8 to 16 although the
latter age group may be restricted by physical size rather than age. Girls
are at no strength disadvantage in a Pelican and compete very successfully
with the boys.
FINDING
CREW
A possible crew can be found from school friends and younger siblings. Its also a good idea to talk to the coaches, officials or volunteers at your sailing club. Factors to consider when trying to find a suitable crew are:
- It can be a time consuming sport, so the crew should be as dedicated to sailing as the helmsperson, particularly as they become more proficient and start competing in regular races at your club and in regattas at other clubs.
- Sailing successfully as a team requires compatibility between skipper and crew - sometimes siblings don't prove too compatible!
- Siblings sailing together also makes a lot of sense for parents from an organising and logistical point of view.
- Age, weight and size should always be taken into account when looking for a crew. A large, heavy forward-hand is going to find the bow of a Pelican a pretty cramped space and may cause the Pelican to not perform at its optimum level. Also a heavy combination is unlikely to have a very long career in Pelicans.
M AINTENANCE, REPAIRS & FITTINGS
Louie Suriano at Boating
Hardware has a complete range of fittings, ropes, etc, in addition
to new hulls and complete boats for sale. Louie will also undertake repairs
and maintenance. Boating Hardware are a major sponsor at PSA events. There are a number of other suppliers; consult the Yellow Pages.
SAILS, TUNING & TRIMMING
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Paul Eldrid at Evolution Sails designs and manufactures a variety of sails for the Pelican. Evolution Sails are a major sponsor at PSA events. Please contact Paul for more information.
2/3 Milson Place,
O'Connor 6163
Phone: 61 8 9331 3910
Paul Eldrid peldrid@evolutionsails.com.au
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UK Halsey Sailmakers designs and manufactures a variety of sails for the Pelican. UK Halsey Sailmakers also sponsor PSA events.
177 South Terrace, Fremantle
Ph (08) 9336 2161
Fax: (08) 9336 2161
ukhalsey@iinet.net.au |
EXTERNAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
In addition to the training program run by your Club there are opportunities
to train under the auspices of the Yachting
Association of WA (YWA). Each season YWA runs two training courses
in which Pelicans can participate. These are Westsail and Pelisail.
 Westsail is for experienced sailors and admittance to the course is by
invitation from YWA and is normally based on recommendations made to
them by the PSA, who in turn base their recommendations on the previous
Seasons State Championship results. It is an intensive, live-in course
based at Point Peron over 5 days. The course takes
place at the beginning of the season, normally in the September/October
school holidays and includes participation in the State Youth Championships.
Pelisail is a course run jointly by YWA and the Pelican Sailing Association
and is designed specifically for Pelican Sailors. Coaching is provided
by YWA selected coaches and the weekend non-residential course is designed
for all levels of Pelican Sailors. The venue for the course alternates
between Yacht Clubs and takes place in September/October.
All these courses are very worthwhile and are highly recommended. |
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