In my report on the death of Trish Wisener – “We have Suffered a Loss” – I noted with gratitude that Trish had asked that those considering a memorial gift consider the Sailing Club. The responce has been wonderful. Donations have been made in Trish’s memory by many from Sturgeon Point and by many from elsewhere…and they continue to come in.
The board of the Club decided that the money donated in Trish’s memory ought to be put to a purpose. We have been considering the purchase of Optimist Dinghies to replace our aging Mosquito fleet. The Optimist Dinghy is the premier boat in which to teach young sailors to sail- sturdy, balanced, fun and competitive (for those who want to learn to race). The board approved the purchase of a gently used Optimist (if the right one could be found) for use as a pilot for this summer and with a view to expanding the fleet down the line.
Yesterday, we took delivery of ‘Trish the Optimist’, a racing equipped, fully decalled, four year old, lovingly cared for craft from Burlington. It will make its journey to Sturgeon Lake in time for its unveiling at Trish’s memorial gathering on her birthday, July 4. I cannot think of a more appropriate boat to honour Trish’s memory than an Optimist – she was forever that.
Hugh DesBrisay