On Saturday August 29th the Calgary Yacht Club, located here in the city of Chestermere, hosted the Optimist Provincials. Eight young sailors from Chestermere and Calgary took part. Optimist sailboats are usually sailed by children ages 7 to 14 and are an excellent boat for just learning to sail or racing. It is one of the most popular boats in the world and many sailing clubs have active youngsters racing and sailing from a young age and then graduating into different boat classes such as Laser, Laser Radial or double handed boats (2 people in one boat) as they grow older.
The Provincial Sailing Association organized the event. After 6 races the winners were declared: Devin Doering (1st), Adam Minshul (2nd) and Robbie Simpson (3rd). All three sailors are members of the Clgary Yacht Club.
Pictured from left to right: Krzysztof Machnowski –Coach; Finn Griggs- Assistant Coach; Cameron Hay (Glenmore Sailing Club); Adam Minshull( Calgary Yacht Club)
Robbie Simpson (Calgary Yacht Club); Jackson MacKay (Calgary Yacht Club)
During the summer months youngsters who enroll with the CYC for sailing lessons will on these steady little craft as they learn the theory of sailing and using the wind to power them along. As someone who lives near the club, it is always a treat to hear the excited voices as the children enjoy themselves out on the water getting to know a new skill and having fun with their pals.
For more information about the club, go wo www.cyc.ab.ca
Thanks to Fie Hulsker Alberta Sailing Association Executive Director for assistance with this article, and Laurie Dunn, Manager CYC for photo.
