At La Jaille-Yvon on the Mayenne River, Anjou Sport Nature's mission is to teach children to sail while having fun. They embark on crew boats during outings or camps. The children take turns at all the maneuvering posts. They become aware of themselves and of the importance of their role within the group. Those who lacked confidence quickly discover that they are an essential link in the smooth running of the boat. What a rewarding lesson!
The crew school river version
Practiced for a long time at sea by the Glénans Sailing School, Jeunesse et Marine or others, sailing with a crew allows for a learning process that is all the more effective as its teachings go far beyond the simple discovery of the boat and the nautical environment. It is a real school of life where children develop their autonomy, but also and especially their ability to "be" together. On an individual level, they learn to take care of themselves and to manage their own comfort without waiting for an adult to take care of them. Collectively, they learn the virtues of the group and how to find their place in it without playing elbows.
Each one has his own role within the crew
The day begins with a scavenger hunt where three bands of pirates set out to find the maps that will guide them to the treasure. As soon as they are on board, they put on their life jackets, the older ones spontaneously helping the younger ones. Each one wins the position assigned to him. A document, the "crew role" describes precisely the work of each of the 8 crew members and the order in which the rotation is done. Each one becomes in turn pilot, lock keeper, observer, "mooring man", "gaffer" or navigator. The maneuvers take place without a shout and in an impeccable order, each one knowing perfectly what he has to do. An example of cohesion that would make many adult crews blush!
River vacation camps
The pirates of the day are 24, between 6 and 11 years old. They participate in a 5-day holiday camp. The camp is set up on board the boats. Each crew, school or not, is supervised by a counselor who intervenes as little as possible, favoring interaction between the children. The flotilla is supervised by an "Admiral" aboard a safety boat, playing the role of game master, while leaving the greatest possible latitude to the crews to make their own experiences.
Anjou Sport Nature, an associative structure
Anjou Sport Nature is an associative structure founded in 1985 but which took its full dimension in 1997. It has three bases where many activities are offered on and around the water. The children's camps are supervised by Sophie Leblanc, who is also the deputy director of Anjou Sport Nature. When sailing, she supervises the outing from the safety boat. Holder of the BEATEP Environment and rivers she is also keen to raise children's awareness of the water cycle through activities.
Solid and functional boats
The three boats that make up the flotilla were built in aluminum by the Delavergne yard in Avrillé (Vendée). The common spaces are privileged with a central cockpit organized around a large table with folding panels. A canvas awning protects almost the entire boat from the rain and sun. Hoods open onto the crew quarters where bunks equipped with mattresses can accommodate up to 8 people. The propulsion is entrusted to a 4-stroke outboard engine of 10 hp in well. With their angular silhouette, these boats are not models of elegance, yet they are solid and fulfill their mission perfectly.
While accompanying the pirates in their quest, we were able to observe some beautiful behaviors of mutual aid without any mockery or bragging. Like the one who helped a youngster tie his life jacket, or the one who held the boat in place with a boat hook, while patiently re-explaining to a little girl the subtleties of the cleat knot. A know-how and an attention to others that we will enjoy seeing on the waterways. I can't wait for these pirates to grow up!
