Pete’s First Head Instructor Newsletter

Welcome

Welcome to another summer at SLSC! On behalf of all the instructors, I’d like to welcome all sailors young and old to what is going to be the greatest summer ever. We are entering a beautiful summer jam packed with dances, singing, games, movies, regattas, and of course, lots and lots of sailing! So put on your PFD, slap on some sunscreen, dance a wind dance or two, and join us for another great year on Sturgeon Lake!

The 2009 Instructor Team

We have a top-notch group of new and returning instructors at SLSC this summer.

We are happy to announce that Murray McCullough is back leading our race team to more podiums across the province. Murray was the race coach in 2006 and 2007 and after a short hiatus, in which he pursued his own racing career, he has returned home to SLSC.

Also returning from 2006 and 2007 is Peter Nyhuus, who is this year’s head instructor along with Bronze IV instructor. Pete taught Bronze at the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club last year and is very excited to bring his new experiences back to his home club.

Evan Burtt is back! Our excellent scouts recruited him from Bay of Quinte Yacht Club last summer and he is almost as ecstatic as we are to have him back teaching Bronze Sail V.

Lifetime SLSCer Claire DesBrisay has returned for her second year of brilliant instructing. While she taught Bronze V and the junior race team last summer with tremendous dexterity, she has decided to try her hand with our younger sailors and will therefore be running the White Sail program. Welcome back Claire!

Ellen Lourie, previously famous for her successes with the race team, has retired from the full time regatta circuit and is beginning her career as an instructor. She will be splitting her time between the White Sail program and the Mosquito program. We are so happy to have her on the team!

And last but not least, we have the pleasure of introducing a new face to the line-up! Kat Hutton, a product of Whitby Yacht Club, is joining us to run the Mosquito program. She spent last summer teaching in an arguably more exotic location – the Cayman Islands (!!) – but says she misses Canada and is so happy to be joining the crew here. Lucky us!! Welcome to SLSC, Kat!

Movie Night/Dances

As always, SLSC is the place to be on Tuesday and Friday nights! Tuesday is movie night. Two movies will be shown in the Clubhouse: the first suitable for all ages and the second open to 13 year olds and up. The first movie begins at 6:30 and each movie costs a dollar.

On Friday it is time to get our groove going! At 7 o’clock swing by the Clubhouse for a good old SLSC dance. Also costs a dollar. There will be a theme to the dance – this week is the Pyjama Dance (we’ll play the music loud so you don’t fall asleep!)

The Silvers organize both of these events – so bother them for all the details!!

(Remember, if you have any questions about this you can call the club @ 887-5110)

Wednesday Night Races

We are very excited to reintroduce an old SLSC tradition. Wednesday Night Races are back and replacing Wednesday Afternoon Racing. So take a break after club, eat some dinner and then head back at 6 p.m. for some early evening sailing. Experienced and non-experienced racers will be paired up.

Fun Day on Wednesday and Pizza Lunch

This Wednesday is our first FUN DAY! It will be Dumping Day – a great chance to get wet and learn how to safely capsize. It will also be a PIRATE theme – so dress up like your favourite pirate and practice you’re “YAARRS” and “SHIVER ME TIMBERS”! Treasure will be given to the best pirates.

And to top it off: Wednesday is PIZZA LUNCH!!! Make sure your parents pay our wonderful Pizza Lady, Leslie, and enjoy a delicious lunch after sailing on Wednesday.

Wow, Wednesday is a busy day!

Regattas

This week the Bronze Vs are heading off on Monday for Parry Sound for a training regatta. Good luck to our young racers!

Water bottles and bring things.

Just a reminder: bring a water bottle to Sailing Club because we have a water cooler that you refill with if needed. Help us help you stay hydrated!

Also, on top of a lifejacket and proper footwear, please bring warm clothing and rain gear if possible – because unless it’s reeeaally bad weather, we’re going sailing!

Sunday Afts

The Sunday Afternoon Race Series is back this summer. The first races were yesterday (congrats to leaders Amy DesBrisay and Fiona Henderson). The series will continue on July 12, and August 9 and 16. Check out http://www.slsc.ca/2009/event/sunday-aft-races-are-back/ for more details.

Curriculum Night

If you are a parent and are interested in meeting your child’s instructor, then you are invited Curriculum Night this Friday. Drop your child off at the dance around 7 and then come across the bridge for some refreshments with the instructors and directors.

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