The Junior Sailing program greatly appreciates committed PYC members who attended this year’s Commodore’s Cup. We had an amazing turn out in light of the low water and cancelled regatta. It was great seeing the Sunfish fleet utilized in lieu of keel boats. The EZ-Ports made it possible to temporarily relocate the fleet to Rodeo where they could be launched in deeper water.

Recently, the club completed the purchase of a covered trailer to shelter the Sunfish rigs. For the last few years we stored them on a pontoon boat on Sunset dock. However, the awning was repeatedly damaged by high winds and eventually destroyed. After a couple years of leaving the rigs exposed, we realized we needed to research alternatives. Several options were considered and the board agreed on a covered trailer. It will primarily be used as a mobile storage unit, moved in the event of high water. The trailer will also allow our junior sailors to travel to other local regattas and compete against sailors of their same skill level. We were invited to three regattas this year which we had to decline for lack of transportation for our Sunfish. This is a very exciting development and will encourage the kids through competition.

Again, thanks to all of our supporters for a great year.

All the best,
Jim North, Jr. (s/v Slainte)
PYC Director of Sail Education

One of the single greatest imperatives of Perry Yacht Club is teaching sailing skills. And there is no better group to teach than our children. Each year a dedicated group of members assists with the task. We split the kids into three groups based on their level of experience/competency and spend as much time as possible at the helm.

Our number one objective remains FUN. If the kids are enjoying themselves, they will advance as sailors. The first, land-based, lesson focuses on fundamentals including wind direction, points of sail, knots, rigging the boat and, of course, Pizza. This is a “hands on” day designed to familiarize the kids with terminology and get them ready for the water.

From this point on, they get wet. We begin with the perennial favorite “swimming test” and go straight to the boats. Most instruction occurs on the west side of Branch Harbor (our cove); but, short forays onto the main lake soon follow. Every day the kids build confidence and learn to independently skipper their boats.

Our efforts culminate at the end of the season with two racing opportunities: The Bill Sanders Memorial Regatta and the Parent/Child Regatta. Both events allow the young sailors to showcase their skills and enjoy the thrill of competition. The enduring benefit of all the hard work is a smiling kid hoisting a trophy into the air.

Space still exists (but is limited) for past Junior Sailing participants as well as new sailors. Kids who have previously graduated Junior Sailing participate in our new Catamaran program instructed by Ricardo Oben. Sign up today by completing your enrollment form and check. For safety reasons, parents are required to be on property and encouraged to participate. Don’t miss out!

Jim North, Jr.
Director of Sailing Education
s/y Slainte
rjnorthjr@msn.com