Five eager boys took to the waters of Wallis Lake under the guidance of instructor Len Newman from the YMCA, sailing in state of the art Open Bic boats.

The boys were shown the basics of sailing and were aided by a number of members from the Great Lakes Sailing Club.

“Both the YMCA and local sailing club could see the benefit in a partnership to encourage youth to have a go at sailing and the program has got off to a great start with the kids having a ball on the water,” Mr Newman said.

The program has also been keenly supported with the provision of boats from, Gnomes of Taree, Stacks Forster, Brian Bath and the YMCA.

The program will run in six week blocks and will be offered through all of the warmer months of the year.