Thanks to all the DSC members and guests who made the DSCYP 2017 kick-off a success.
The kids from last year brought some friends, and other members brought kids or grandkids. All enjoyed themselves and found new friends who they can sail with this Spring and Summer.
After my Welcome and Introduction, Jonathan, Jess and Shawn of the AUSC gave a chalk talk on points of sail and other basics, even getting into race starts and Right of Way. Then, Jess and Shawn took a 420 out and demonstrated maneuvers and starts, while Jonathan narrated from the Pavilion and passed directions to the 420 with our VHF radios. Using the radios to choreograph a demonstration boat seemed effective as a teaching technique.
Jennifer Bennett volunteered to handle the Lunch meal and did it seamlessly. The rest of us get spoiled when things just happen, without hassle. Thanks, Jennifer.
In the afternoon, we split into an Opti group and a Laser group. The younger kids and their parents crewed on DSC boats to get a feel for the larger boats. Our volunteer skippers were Keith, Ron D, Ron J, and Dave. The wind was light in the morning, but built after Lunch, so they had rides that were sometimes exciting.
Lance Kim, the Secretary for Laser Region 14, briefed the older kids on rigging and sailing the Laser, then he took his pristine boat out to demonstrate maneuvers in the building wind, as the weather finally came in. We are hoping that Lance will be able to find some gently used, reasonably priced Lasers to build our fleet. He was impressed with our location and facilities. He just moved into the area and sails out of the Birmingham Club on Logan Martin. We hope to see him later this season, perhaps for the Punchbowl. He sailed Lasers in the San Francisco Bay area during college, so he’s accustomed to handling his Laser is significant weather.
The 2017 DSCYP tee-shirts were popular and about half were sold. The shirts are cotton short-sleeved [$15], cotton long-sleeved [$20] and UV Blocking long-sleeved [$30]. Contact Stephanie, if you are interested.
In summary, we gained 3-4 more youth sailors, and probably a new DSC Associate member. Perhaps more significantly, they all enjoyed themselves making new friends, and learning about sailing. Fortunately, the cool and windy weather turned wet, on schedule, as everyone was leaving.
Best regards,
Jim Simons
President
Dixie Sailing Club Youth Program
334-546-0224 Cell