The Calgary Yacht Club (CYC), started in 1933 on the banks of Lake Chestermere, is the oldest yacht club in Alberta. And 2014 has been a most successful year! On November 30th, Commodore Michael Hooper was pleased to present trophies to many local and Calgary sailors at the 2014 Awards Night .
By an enthusiastic and unanimous vote at the 2014 Annual General Meeting, members granted honorary life membership to Karsten Dalberg, presenting Karsten with the award at the November 30th Awards Ceremony. This is very rare honour that has been granted to only a few individuals over the past 81 years of the club’s existence. Karsten has made many important contributions to the club over decades of service. His hard work has lain a path for sustainability of the club for current and future generations. Karsten joined the club in 1995. He served as Vice Commodore, then Commodore from 1998 to 2001, was captain for the Lightning fleet which grew from two to eight boats under his guidance. He was instrumental in organizing a North American Championship for Martin 16 boats (sailed by people with various degrees of handicap). There was even a participant from South America who competed. The week long regatta was held solely at CYC. To quote Karsten, “I have enjoyed very much seeing the club go from limited activity to full programs for both kids and adults. It is not necessarily winning the race –but seeing the activity [at CYC] grow.” Congratulations Karsten!
And kudos also to the youngest 2014 trophy winner. Robbie Simpson, local Chestermere resident, was the Optimist Sailor of the Year. Robbie had an exceptional year representing CYC at regattas both in and out of province. He is an enthusiastic young sailor demonstrating great ability in the sport. And the trophy was bigger than Robbie!
Other award winners were; Skipper of the Year – Steve Tubby; Crew of the Year – Lee ; Nagy; Junior Male of the Year – Connor Weicht; Junior Female of the Year – Brianna Brand;
Master Sailor of the Year – Phil Paxton; Commodore’s Cup – Art Buitenwerf; Club Champion – Michael Hooper. And for the Twilight Series, Single Handed Mono Hull – Michael Hooper; Double Handed Mono Hull – Steve Tubby; Multi Hull – Bill Mulloy; Icebreaker Trophy – Ian Elliot – Laser; Alberta Master Single Handed Laser Champion – David Elliot; Alberta Open Single Handed Laser Champion – Michael Hooper.
The Calgary Yacht Club is a valuable asset to Chestermere, and contributes immensely to the town as a recreation ‘oasis.’ If you are curious, check out the webpage www.cyc.ab.ca and next spring, you could do what I did, volunteer to help with racing! It was an exciting learning experience. You watch the races close up from either the Committee or Marker boat; and who knows– it might inspire you to take up sailing! It’s right on your doorstep.
