Skimming the waves, their sails jutting above the horizon, the fleet of local sailing school Sail Georgian Bay has been back on the water this summer, resuming the business of teaching local youth about sailing, after having to remain closed for last year’s sailing season due to the COVID-19 pandemic measures.
Like most, Sail Georgian Bay was impacted by the restrictions implemented to help control the COVID-19 pandemic last summer. Last year they weren’t able to open at all, but fortunately could open up again this year for all eight weeks of their typical summer season.
Early in this season, all sailors were required to be in their own boats in order to accommodate distancing measures, which meant they needed some experience before joining the program. As restrictions have eased, operators of the popular sailing school have allowed double-handed sailing, which Sail Georgian Bay board members Liesbeth Halbertsma and Jean-Loup Dalle say is more fun for the kids, as they can have a friend to chat and work with during the lesson.
During a waterside interview conducted as a group of students were making their way from the bay into the inner harbour as their day on the water was coming to an end, the enthusiastic board members said that Meaford offers a perfect place for young sailors learning the ropes. They said that it is considered one of the best spots in Ontario with the benefits of the sheltered harbour with clean water, and clean winds just beyond the walls.
From local businesses to Meaford’s council, Dalle said that Sail Georgian Bay has received support throughout the municipality.
He said that the community has always wanted to help, whether it was with the new clubhouse or by giving financially so kids who couldn’t afford the registration fees could still learn to sail.
“Thank you Meaford for helping us, it’s fabulous,” offered Dalle.
Sail Georgian Bay has served the community since 2001 by getting kids on the water. Operators of the school say that it’s more than a summer program to get kids out of the house and away from the internet, it also teaches them responsibility, decision making, how to be independent, and perhaps most important, it teaches them to love sailing. Many of the participants of the program come back year after year. Sail Georgian Bay offers levels 1 through 6 of the CANSail Dinghy Program from Sail Canada.
With a fleet of over twenty boats, students begin learning on Laser Picos, which are small plastic boats that are very simple in design, and easier for beginners to use, so they can be handled by an individual learning the basics of sailing.
The larger, more delicate 420s are for a more experienced sailor. They are fibreglass boats with more complicated rigging. The 420s have an option for three different sails: the main sail at the back, the fore sail at the front, and the spinnaker. Sailors can also wear the trapeze harness which allows them to lean totally outside the boat.
Another goal of the program is training future coaches. All of the current coaches went through the program here in Meaford, where their love of sailing was nurtured into a desire to teach others. For those considering becoming a certified coach, there is a junior volunteer program where they can spend their time working with a qualified instructor to gain experience.
Sail Georgian Bay reaches more than just the youth of Meaford. Youth come from all over the region, from neighbours Owen Sound, Thornbury, Flesherton, Kimberly, and Eugenia. Some are even from Toronto, and spend the week learning to sail while at the cottage or staying with their local family.
There is still time to sign up for lessons. Sail Georgian Bay runs until the week of August 16 to 20. There will also be a closing regatta held on Wednesday, August 18, and all are welcome to watch.
More information about Sail Georgian Bay can be found at sailgeorgianbay.ca
