The OYC “On the Water” programs included two five-day Optimist (Opti) learn-to-sail programs in 2023. The first ran July 10th through the 14th, and the second from July 31st through August 4th. Our first class was a sellout, so to speak, as there were six students. Our second session had four students. If memory serves me, their ages ranged from 9 to 11 years old. And though they all began their week of classes with some level of trepidation and shyness, I can honestly say by each week’s end we graduated all 10 as good sailors. Just as important, each student also developed a confidence in sailing that was easy to see. In addition, each participant came away with a sense of comradery and fellowship. That sense of accomplishment and friendship was also shared between the students and OYC sailing instructors, as well as with the chase and safety boat operators.
Thanks go to our OYC members who, with their involvement along with their passion for sailing, have passed on their expertise and knowledge to our budding youth sailors, hence contributing to the future of this sport. Without their interest in paying their talents forward by supporting the OYC and the Opti sailing program, we couldn’t have made these two weeks a success. Well done!
You’ll see by perusing these photos that all involved had a great time during the first session July 10- 14). Thanks to everyone who supported the Opti sailing program of 2023!
For additional photos visit the following website where Torie Butler has posted her photos of the second week (July 31 to August 4) of Opti sailing.
https://www.victoriapictures.net/Family/2023-August-OptiSailors/