Young sailors learning 'the ropes'

KINGSVILLE — Harnessing the wind to get from point A to point B has long been a method of propulsion for mankind.

Of course, sailing is a mode of transportation that has been around for centuries.

The Cedar Island Yacht Club (CIYC) is doing its part to keep future generations on the water and the response to their Youth Sailing Camp has been phenomenal.

In past years, the CIYC has been using the Ontario Sailing’s BOOM program, where boats and instructors are supplied for a limited time.

Last year, the program was suspended. This left the local club without a junior program, but they scrambled and got things together this summer.

“We were initially disappointed but then seized the opportunity and actually purchased 10 of the training boats at a good price from Ontario Sailing,” said club spokesperson Warren Ritchie. “Our 10-year plan to build our own fleet was suddenly shortened to two years.”

A pair of student sailors getting their sailboat upright after a controlled spill.

Photos submitted

Ritchie says that the club was cautious about doing anything this year, but as restrictions eased, they thought they’d try to run a short program in late summer.

“One week was opened and filled immediately through word of mouth and the second week filled as quickly with a substantial waiting list,” he said.

The club took delivery of the boats and hired two certified instructors out of Barrie to get the classes rolling.

The program – a five-day long day camp – is for girls and boys from 8 to 14.

Using eight of their newly acquired boats, they are able to place two participants in each boat, creating a full class of 16 kids per week.

Two students taking a break on the lake.

They do on-land classes that include the theory of sailing, with an emphasis on safety and learning to rig their own boats.

Once in the water, the kids are on their own, with an instructor following closely in a rigid inflatable.

“One of the first things they have to do is flip their boat over and learn how to get them back up and running,” said Ritchie. “The confidence they build over the week is palpable.”

The Town of Kingsville has also been instrumental in helping the Yacht Club get the program going. The popular classes are full for this year, but you can get more information on next year’s junior program by emailing ciycyouthsailing@gmail.com.