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Learn to Sail: Part 3

Live in the sunshine, sail the seas and drink the wild air with Bowen Island Yacht Club's latest column
Let's go sailing!

This is the last bit of flotsam about the Bowen Island Yacht Club Learn 2 Sail program to share with you.  We hope we have instilled some interest in having your child enrolled in sailing this summer. 

The Learn 2 Sail program has sailed solely on the winds of volunteer power. We asked some of them to talk about why they take part.

“I can’t imagine never having been involved in this very enriching, significant and inspiring program. I got involved 16 years ago when my 10-year-old son Erik developed a love for sailing.  He volunteered, then coached and inspired his younger sister Emily. She too became a volunteer, coach and program coordinator.  Who she is today is partly a result of the Learn 2 Sail program. It is one of the reasons I have remained the longest-standing volunteer.  I now must say farewell and I wish to encourage other parents to step up and take a role in volunteering for this program. Learn2Sail needs you! I can guarantee as a witness to not only my kids success but the success of many participants, you will not regret your decision. The value has been profound!    

Wendy Wanvig, 16-year volunteer

 

“My daughter went through the Learn 2 Sail program from age seven. She volunteered, got her certification and coached for four years. She comes home bouncing with happiness that she can sail with young sailors every day.  The Learn 2 Sail program is extraordinary, magical, and a truly unique Bowen experience.  Part of this is the friendship and cohesiveness of the sail coaches and volunteers, which they share with all sail participants.  The other part, for me, is that as a parent watching your young sailor conquer their natural fears to hop in the cutest boat in the world, the Optimist, and set sail on what can become a life-long passion and love of the sea simply fills my heart with joy!”                                                                                                                          Katherine Gish – nine-year volunteer

 

“Five years ago, I registered my oldest son for a sail camp. I thought it would be a fun way for him to spend a week in the summer with friends, learning a new skill.  It was the beginning of a new passion, new friendships and future plans to sail around the world. When I picked him up I was amazed to see him sailing an Optimist boat all by himself.  I could only imagine the sense of accomplishment and freedom he must be feeling. By summer’s end Ryan took part in his first regatta, the Commodore’s Cup at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club — which was a wonderful opportunity to sail and compete and a valuable lesson in independence and growth.”                            

Margo Osinski, five-year volunteer

 

Whether you are a seasoned sea dog or a landlubber we have many ways in which you could help.  If YOU have been inspired to volunteer, please contact:  margo.osinski@gmail.com. We would love to have you on board to continue to build our community of sailors!

Registration information: http://www.biyc.bc.ca/wordpress/training/registration/