Saving the best for last!
I’m not necessarily referring to the wind conditions with the above statement. The forecast for today was “iffy”: South winds 5 to 15 knots. Bay waters a moderate chop. Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
We did get everything planned accomplished! We could have used a bit more wind in the morning, but it was enough to go sailing! The afternoon worked out to perfection. The wind picked up gradually as we hung at the Sister Banks by Viscaya and it made the sail back to port a breeze:)
Intermediate Sailors - Morning Session
Seven kids came to class this morning. This was the final Siebel Sailors Program for the 2021-2022 school year. We did not waste any time. The kids rigged five RS Fevas, three with main only and two with both main and jib, for double-handed sailing. It was slow sailing out but with the technique they have learned, it was all possible. Coach Ed and I dropped a couple of markers for a windward-leeward course. Everyone looked good and they sailed well. Their progress has been tracked in the Skill-Up App and all passed the test!
We had a little ceremony on the second floor after sailing. Each one received a diploma along with a goody bag and some other stuff.
Beginner Sailors - Afternoon Session
This was a great day for everyone involved. We literarily saved the best for last! Planning, preparation, execution, and timing were beautiful. It’s amazing how what the power of repetion will do. This was our 37th Saturday Siebel Sailors Program since March of 2021. We are like a well-oiled machine. Our core volunteers have stayed together since before Covid. New volunteers have joined in since, and together (and individually) they make a big difference!
A couple of kids stayed over from the morning session to help sail the boats and mentor the other kids. There were eleven kids, three volunteers, and one visitor from another nonprofit in attendance. Susan, my significant other and also our corporate administrator, joined in for the afternoon, also bringing her 3-y.o. grand-son named Teddy. We had so much fun!
The boats used today were two RS Ventures and two RS Fevas, the Castoldi safety boat, and the Boston Whaler coach boat. We sailed straight for the Sisters Banks and hung out there for about 1-1/2hour.
Once we returned to the US Sailing Center, everyone helped derigging, cleaning, and putting the boats and equipment away. It was the best joint effort, to date. Well done! Next was a short presentation on the second floor. Everyone received a diploma for having successfully completed the Siebel Sailors Program for the school year.
The best of it all is that the kids have established a bond between one-and-other. They were sharing phone numbers and they seemed sad to leave. In my view, creating a community is what a successful program does!
Ship Ahoy
