Sailboats have been out in force each weekend over the past couple of months as Powell River Yacht Club members have taken to the water.
The weekend races have now come to an end, however, racing for keel boats continues on Monday evening instead. The Monday night recreational race is open to everyone in the community, with or without sailing experience or a boat. This is a free opportunity for people to join with the club and find out what sailboat racing is all about.
“We live in one of the best cruising and sailing locations in the world,” said club member Terry Noreault, adding that there are numerous opportunities provided by the club over the summer to experience or improve sailing skills.
The club provides a youth sailing training program which occurs every July for two weeks. The program involves training young sailors from six through 16 years of age on two different dinghies, the Optis and the 420s. The students learn on the inland waters of Powell Lake.
To raise funds for this program, the club will hold its Kickoff to Sea Fair, a pub and dance night featuring 1066, Celtic music with an attitude, Thursday, July 19 at the Marine Inn.
The club owns a small fleet of sailing dinghies. As well as the youth program, adults are also taught how to sail using these versatile little vessels. The next adult training program is a five-day course during the week of July 16.
Besides being a lot of fun, “dinghy sailing is a great way to develop your sailing skills,” said Noreault. Dinghy racing takes place on a Thursday evening.
The club has many more activities including monthly cruises and social gatherings and accommodates people of all skill levels. “No experience is necessary,” said Noreault. “If you would like to crew on a boat you will be placed on one of the club boats with an experienced skipper. If you would like to race your boat, but don’t know what racing is about, the club will provide an experienced racer to guide you.” And, as a word of reassurance, Noreault added, “Don’t let the ‘race’ word scare you, the emphasis is on recreational.” Races start on Monday, July 9 and continue until August 27, with no race happening on BC Day, August 6. Participants meet at 5:30 pm at the picnic tables in front of the BC Ferry terminal ticket booths.
Tickets for the pub and dance night are $30 available at Marine Traders, Marine Inn, Breakwater Books and Coffee, Townsite Brewing and through the club at 604.485.7167. Doors open at 6:30 pm and music starts at 7 pm.
For more information about Powell River Yacht Club, readers can visit the club's website and blog or email [email protected].
