If you’re looking for a fun project, Meford’s Sail Georgian Bay sailing school suggests entering their Canada Day Apple Bin Race.
“Sail Georgian Bay – Meaford’s community sailing school challenges all local apple growers, businesses, and community organizations to paddle, row, or sail an apple bin to victory in Meaford Harbour,” said the school in promotion of the event.
The Apple Bin Race is a fundraiser to support the school’s children’s sailing programs. The entry fee is $50 per team, and teams must pre-register by June 17 in order to participate.
Teams must supply their own apple bins, which can be found by contacting one of the local growers. Teams can dress up their bins and organizers encourage local businesses to advertise on their boats.
The races will start at 2 pm on Canada Day, and there will be separate divisions for business and community entries. There will be trophies to be won in a range of categories from first team to finish to most creative design and costumes.
Sail Georgian Bay board director Barry Altman told The Independent that the event came about through a partnership with the municipality.
“Since Summer 2015, we have held several meetings with the municipality to discuss the details of a partnership agreement that covers things like use of the land in the harbour, promotion, and so on,” explained Altman. “The idea for the Apple Bin Race came from the municipality during one of our meetings. They have been thinking about this for a few years but didn’t have the ways and means to run the event on the water. The sailing school has the docks, boats, and experienced coaches to do this so they asked us to run the event.”
Altman is hoping that the event will catch on after the Canada Day races and will become an annual event.
“Our goal is to make this a big event in future years. With the generous support of the Municipal Community Grants Program our costs are covered for this year so any entry fees or donations from the public will go directly to support our Youth sailing programs,” said Altman.
The ‘boats’ must be made from a standard apple bin (48” long by 42” wide by 24” deep). Additions for streamlining, flotation, and stability are allowed as long as the overall dimensions of the boat do not exceed two times the dimensions of the bin.
The races will be run around buoys in the harbour, and while the number of crew members is optional, organizers say that “all must remain within the bin when propelling the boat and all must be on board when crossing the finish line”.
The sailing school will also be a busy place leading up to the Canada Day event with their participation in the upcoming Longest Day of Play event which will be held on Tuesday, June 21 from 4 until 6 pm. The event offers people the opportunity to try sailing at no cost.
“We will have our coaches on hand for maximum safety and maximum fun. All in the comfort of Meaford Harbour! All you need is a towel, clothes that can get wet and a willingness to have a new experience! (We do have a supply of PFDs/life jackets but if you have your own, bring it along!)” said the organization.
For those wishing to enrol in summer sailing classes, there is still time.
“We have spots open for our summer program which runs all summer so go to sailgeorgianbay.ca to find out more information. We will be available to answer any questions you might have on June 21st including our Brand New Adult Program,” said the school.
The school says that there are many benefits to be found by registering in one of their sailing classes including:
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Self-Confidence. There is simply nothing like being able to pilot your own craft!
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Spatial awareness. Sailors learn how to navigate a boat through narrow spaces and tight turns – how to avoid collisions, coast to a dock with finesse, or squeeze into a packed starting line at a regatta.
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Weather knowledge. Do you know if the weather is building towards a storm or going to stay clear? If your child is a sailor, he or she will know. Weather knowledge comes in handy both on the water and on land.
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Shipshape habits. Sailing students learn how to properly rig and unrig a boat. Kids learn to put things away in the right place, and keep them tidy while on the water. That’s a skill every parent wants!!
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Tremendous fun!
For more details about the school, or to enter your team in the apple bin race, contact the school at 226-668-2944, e-mail sailgeorgianbay@gmail.com or visit their web site at www.sailgeorgianbay.ca.
