The Kingsville club had been using Ontario Sailing which is centered in Hamilton to provide boats and instructors to teach the exciting skill of sailing to youngsters from the ages of 8 to 14.

With the crushing effect of COVID-19, all of these programs were stopped and subsequently, Ontario Sailing decided to move their training plans in a different direction. This left CIYC with no boats, no instructors, no way to get the local kids out on our lake with the sun on their faces and wind in their hair.

Paul Cairoli who is a member of Ontario Sailing and CIYC faced this dilemma. They seized the opportunity for our club and purchased 10 of these boats. The 10-year plan to establish our own fleet came to fruition in a big hurry.

After the COVID restrictions relaxed a bit, CIYC decided to try to run a week-long camp to test the waters with our newfound resources. We were able to hire a couple of young instructors from Barrie, Ontario and the word was out.

The first week filled up instantly, as did Week Two. A waiting list grew and is still growing. Feedback from the kids and their parents has been very positive. The confidence of the young sailors as the week progresses is heart warming. The future is bright.

This program promises to be one of the principle activities of CIYC going forward and the support from the town of Kingsville has been exceptional.

For further information on the youth sailing program, check out: ciycyouthsailing@gmail.com

Summer is hot … Sailing is cool!

Photos provided by Warren Ritchie