After receiving $30,000 from the Legacy Fund, the 麻豆社国产Yacht Club (SYC) hopes to build a new generation of sailing enthusiasts.
The club used the money to purchase two "pirate" boats, which will be used as a stepping stone between age groups. With the pirate boats, SYC representative Trevor Chelswick said the new boats should be perfect for 10 to 13 year olds.
"These boats are a natural next step from our oppi fleet and a good introduction for our arriving 420s," he said.
After purchasing the pirate boats, the SYC used the remaining cash to pick up two 420 boats, which are advanced sail trainers fully decked out with main, jib, spinnaker and trapeze.
"The 420s are a more advanced boat and it should really help kids get a feel for steering," he said.
Chelswick said he was pleased to see the SYC get recognized by council and receive a small portion of the Legacy Fund.
"What that money will do for us is help build onto our program," he said. "Our goal is to develop sailing in 麻豆社国产and when the Oceanfront is developed, we should really be in the conversation."
Chelswick pointed out that 麻豆社国产has ideal conditions for sailing and that he thinks the sport could really boom locally in the future.
"I think the legacy we build can be just the sport itself," he said. "This is a totally untapped sport in Squamish. We have a huge amount of wind and no waves and it's one of the best places for sailing in the country. It's a real natural amenity that hasn't been capitalized."
According to Chelswick, 麻豆社国产is well known throughout the province as a great place to train.
"We're really well recognized as a spot for training," he said. "And even though we've never had the facilities, clubs still come out here to train."
He added that the SYC's proposal was well received and managed to impress council.
"We've thankfully got some strong advocates for us on council and I think our proposal stayed under the radar," he said. "We laid low but it was a good proposal and I wanted to thank council for having the long-term vision to invest in us."
It should be a busy summer of activity for the SYC, with a weeklong youth introduction to sailing and kayaking getting underway on July 18 and July 25, respectively. Classes run from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost of the course is $250 and is suitable for any beginner from the ages of seven to 13.
An intermediate program for youths aged 10 to 13 is also being offered. Students will work toward their white sail certificate on the aforementioned pirate-style boats. The two-week program lasts from Aug. 2 to 12 and costs $450.
Also later this summer will be the 2011 麻豆社国产Open Annual Regatta (SOAR). One new change from the past will be the inclusion of a kite board fleet at the event. The kite fleet will also contest the sport's Canadian Course Racing Finals at SOAR. The event is scheduled to take place on Aug. 5.
For more information on the youth programs or to register, email Chelswick at [email protected].
