Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Summer is not only a time of rest for schoolchildren, but also a time of new opportunities. The children go tohikes, are mastering circus arts and acting, try their hand at the role firefighters and rescuers and even go sailing.
Residents learn to operate boats and yachts and understand sea and river navigation at the Moscow City Children’s Marine Center named after Peter the Great, a structural division of center for the development of creativity of children and youth “Hermes”Classes are held in the main building of the institution and in the waters of the Khimki Reservoir.
A mos.ru correspondent went to the coast and found out how the kids are mastering shipping, rowing and yachting.
“Eight”, bollard and navigation simulator
The Moscow City Children’s Marine Center named after Peter the Great is located on Leningradskoe Shosse, not far from the Vodny Stadion metro station. Future sailors and their teachers have several buildings, separate berths, and part of the Khimki Reservoir at their disposal. In the summer, educational shifts of the “Vacation with Benefit” program are held here for schoolchildren. Each shift lasts five days. Under the guidance of counselors, children join squads – crews and from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 learn the basics of navigation.
“In one shift, we try to give each child the most useful and interesting things. The children get acquainted with the terminology, study the basics of maritime affairs, and then try to apply the acquired knowledge in practice. The uniqueness of our center is that we are the only organization in Moscow at the capital
Department of Education, which has its own exit to the water area. The children learn to sail on rowboats and small sailboats. Six experienced teachers work with them, among them are masters of sports in rowing and professional yachtsmen. We invite children from seven to 14 years old to the summer program. Last year, about 600 people joined us in June, July and August,” says Artem Osadchiy, head of the Moscow City Children’s Marine Center named after Peter the Great.
Young Muscovites take their first steps as cabin boys, navigators, boatswains and captains in the educational building of the center on Leningradskoe Shosse (building 56a). You can recognize it by its bright terracotta facades and a large sign that reads: “The path to the navy begins here.” The hall is decorated with a wind rose and a large wooden steering wheel, and the walls of the corridors are decorated with portraits of naval officers. We turn right and pass by display cases with models of sailing ships and submarines and go into one of the offices. Geographical maps hang on the walls, a huge globe stands on the cabinet, and a friendly group of guys from the third crew sit on chairs in front of a large screen. Today they are studying mooring methods and sea knots.
A few minutes later, the children go out into the yard with the teacher and, like real sailors, try to throw the mooring lines — ropes — over the line indicated by the teacher. This is what sailors do to secure a ship to the pier. Then the children wrap the rope around the bollard — a pair of small metal pipes for mooring ships, making loops in the shape of the number eight. When the knots are tied tightly, the children jump for joy: the imaginary ship is moored!
Another unusual task awaits the children at the next lesson. On the second floor, in one of the classrooms, there is a huge ship’s wheelhouse – a navigation simulator. The students sit down in chairs near the display, and the ocean rages in front of them on the big screen. It seems as if the cabin is really floating on the water. The realism of what is happening is enhanced by the sound of waves from the speakers. Using switches and levers, you can control the ship, completing tasks: save a person who has fallen overboard and go around a huge barge. A couple of seconds – and the weather on the screen changes: a storm begins. Visibility drops, but the children do not give up – they overcome the waves, maneuvering between the ships.
“This simulator not only imitates navigation, but also develops the vestibular system, allowing you to understand how pitching feels. The simulator also helps in preparing for boating in the water area. The waves are small here, but skill is also needed. As a rule, going out on the water is the most anticipated event for the children. And we try to allow them on boats and yachts at least three times per shift. And in addition to navigation, the program includes unique activities: a tour of the Khimki Reservoir, laser tag, active games and tourism. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, children learn to pitch a tent and make a fire,” emphasizes Artem Osadchiy.
River navigation and teamwork
After theoretical lessons, the children head to the shore of the Khimki Reservoir, where snow-white boats await them on wooden piers. The children put on life jackets, descend from the pier onto the vessel and take up the oars. Vladimir Petukhov, a rowing coach and teacher at the Peter the Great Moscow City Children’s Marine Center, gets into the boat with them.
“On rowboats, children learn to row. This activity develops strength, endurance and coordination, and teaches teamwork. In rowing, it is important to do everything in a coordinated and synchronized manner, because if one lags behind, the others feel it too. At the same time, the main task of the coach is not only to teach the child to row correctly, but also to help him cope with the fear of water or pitching. A boat passed, waves appeared, and the children became worried. And we calm them down, show how to overcome them with the bow or stern. You can also place the boat parallel to the waves. The children quickly remember and eagerly await the next lessons,” says Vladimir Petukhov.
Among the brave rowers is second-grader Arkady Grozdov. He confidently holds the oar and looks around. At seven years old, he can not only control a rowboat, but also work in a team. In the future, the boy wants to become a captain and lead ships along the Moscow River.
“Rowing is not an easy activity, but I really like it. I get into the boat, take the oar and get ready to follow the teacher’s commands. If he says “starboard”, it means you need to turn right, if “portboard” – to the left. It is important to row at the same time as the other guys. Without synchronized movements, nothing will work,” notes Arkady Grozdov.
The boys row and the boats set sail. First they go straight ahead, then turn left, towards Nikolsky Tupik. Large vessels do not sail in this part of the Khimki Reservoir, and it is safe to learn navigation here.
Set the sail
The kids have also gathered at the neighboring pier. The boys and girls in colorful life jackets are waiting for centerboard boats — small boats with sails. Ekaterina Kochkina, a teacher at the Moscow City Children’s Marine Center named after Peter the Great, a master of sports in sailing and a hereditary yachtsman, helps the children get on them. Following the example of her father, brothers and sisters, she has been sailing yachts for more than 20 years. Introducing centerboard boats to young Muscovites, Ekaterina Kochkina tries to reveal to them all the intricacies of her favorite business.
“A centerboard boat is a small yacht. We spread the sail and set the direction using a feather, similar to the fin of a bright orange rudder. Where we turn it, that’s where the boat will go. In order for the centerboard boat to start moving forward, you need to set the sail at an angle of about 45 degrees to the wind. When leaving the pier, we take two children on the boat, and we try to give each one a task. For example, one is responsible for the sail, the other for the helm,” says Ekaterina Kochkina.
The most important thing in sailing is the wind. Even the youngest passengers of centerboard boats can determine its direction. Among them is nine-year-old Alexandra Molchanova. She spent her first shift under sail last year, and this summer she is already confidently holding her own on the boat and quickly determines which way the wind is blowing.
“There are multi-colored strings on the sail – “sorcerers”. They help to set the yacht on course. If the boat is moving, and both strings fly back, it means we are going with the wind. I associate centerboard boats with the sea, and I like that, even living far from the south, you can feel like you are there. I have not yet thought about whether I will connect my life with shipping, but next year I would like to take part in such a shift again,” says Alexandra Molchanova.
Having become familiar with boat and dinghy management, the children often stay at the center in the fall. From September, various thematic programs are held here, including ship modeling and robotics, and before the river navigation closes, separate classes in rowing and sailing are organized.
You can register your child for a summer shift or annual courses at the Moscow City Children’s Marine Center named after Peter the Great atmos.ru portal using the service “Registration in clubs, sports sections and art schools” in the “Services” section. In the opened tab, you need to find the institution in the search bar. The registration will appear for the new school year.
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