Welcome to Learn to Sail at Pelican Yacht Club!
Hi Everybody,
2011 was another good year for the Learn to Sail program at Pelican Yacht Club. The weather co-operated giving great winds throughout the summer and only a handful of days where we couldn’t go out on the water. We had a total of 70 student participate, with about 50 being regular session and 20 taking part in the private lessons.
August 1st-5th was the last week of regular session with eight students, all Opti’s, and 50% new sailors. We had excellent wind as usual for the summer
Little Bird was a success with lots of wind, a great fireworks show, good food, a fun slip and slide (where no one got hurt), a talented band, and quite a few boats out on the water. I am most impressed with how many first time racers showed up to the event and how many of those racers were first time sailors this year. Our Little Bird trophy was given to Jade Johnston, who was one of our students from Killarney. He took part in the event with only a week of afternoon sailing on a lake much smaller than ours, and shows a lot of potential for the sport in the future. It is great to see that our Killarney efforts have paid off producing a young sailor who is enthusiastic about sailing. Thanks again to everyone who volunteered and made Little Bird 2011 a successful day and thanks to everyone who showed up for any one of the day’s activities. For those of you who were unable to attend, we hope to see you there next year!
The weekend following Little Bird consisted of the Westman Qualifiers for the 2012 Manitoba Games. Here three athletes were picked to attend next year’s event. They include Heather Boyle in the Laser 4.7, Jade Hansen-Young, for female in the Pram, and Gabe Odowichuck for male in the Pram. The Laser Radial has yet to be decided.
Our two weeks of Bronze Sail were a lot of fun; strong winds for most of the two weeks really tested our students. I was able to get in a Laser 2 a couple of times and had the best sails of my life. It was amazing! We had Kalen Kerr, Heather Boyle, Connor Boyle, and Annie Munroe participate. Annie and Connor are showing interest in becoming instructors, we never have a shortage of instructors at PYC. Heather, Annie, and Connor took time out of there summer schedules to spend a week or two, or three, volunteering during our busy weeks. They were a vital part in helping things run smoothly, so thanks so much for helping us out. Kalen Kerr, one of our few local town students, returned after taking a few years off. I wish we could spark more of an interest in the local kids, but this is a start.
The boats were all put away on the September long weekend, thus ending the Learn to Sail season. As many of you know this was my last summer teaching and I am going to miss it a lot. I have seen a lot of students grow as sailors and individuals. Thank you to everyone I have taught over the last 6 years for providing me with lots of good memories, lots of laughs, and lots of fun days. I would also like to thank all the club members as well for making me feel a part of this club. I know my grandpa was a big part of the club and it feels good to continue that with my family. I have learned many skills that will help me out throughout the rest of my life. I know this isn’t the end as I will try to be around the club in future summers. I hope everyone has a wonderful winter and hopefully I will see you when the ice thaws in the spring.
Thanks,
David Duncan
Pelican Yacht Club Head Sailing Instructor.