For the first time in more than a decade, the Champlain Sailing Club is running a youth sailing program, teaching youngsters sailing, sailing theory, and water safety, with the opportunity to earn a CANSail certificate by the end of the weeklong program.
Every day, students get out on the water, learning how to operate training sailboats, how to right the vessels when they tip over, and more.
“They’re learning, they spend some time on the water in the morning, and then do some crafts and games,” said the sailing club’s Laura Grant. “We’re trying to have them out on the water as much as possible in the afternoon and … some of them are learning, literally, how to step onto a sailboat.”
Open for youth ages eight to 14, it is heading into the last of four weeklong programs this coming week.
With 16 spots for youth per week, each week has been fully booked so far.
“We’re very relieved … because it’s our first time,” Grant said of the program’s instant popularity. “Many of our members have seen sailing schools in the past go on, and how they worked, and they’re impressed with how it’s going so far this year.”
Grant has also been pleased to see the students’ enthusiasm for sailing by the time their weeklong program ends.
“A number of students from Week 2 asked their parents if they could get a sailboat now …which is so fabulous,” she said. “Hopefully, some of these people will be future members of the sailing community.”
Organizers have also made efforts to ensure the program is accessible to all, with Grant thanking the Orillia Youth Centre for sponsoring six spots in the program over its four-week duration.
Next year, Grant said, the plan is to open the program up to higher levels of sailing, while still offering the introductory program it did this year.
“We definitely are hoping next year to have higher levels, as well, because we have students that have completed these levels and that are planning on coming back next year,” she said.
Those interested in learning more about the sailing school can read more here.
