2005 Youth Sailing Day

The William H Seward Yacht Club, in a community outreach, held Youth Sailing Day and the WHSYC Youth Regatta on July 16, 2005.  The event was open to the public, in an attempt to introduce persons age 11 - 18 to the sport of sailing.  In order to maximize the number of youths who could participate on the limited number of boats, parent’s were invited to participate in a spectator activity.

The event was publicized at the Seward Harbormaster's office, with flyers, and by word of mouth in Seward and Anchorage.  Seventeen young men and women signed up in advance; five from Seward and twelve from Anchorage.   Despite a cold rain, all seventeen showed up for the morning orientation presented by racing chairman Bob Stinson.  Bob went over sailboat basics, safety basics, and racing basics.  The rules for the day would be a handicapped start with one loop around the WHSYC racing buoys.  First boat across the finish line was the winner.

After Bob's orientation, the youths were assigned to a skipper, and everyone trotted out to their respective boats for a skipper's orientation on boat operation and safety.  The wind cooperated nicely for a regatta:  20 kts out of the south.  The first leg was beat upwind, and the homeward leg was a fast downwind run.  Despite the rain everyone had fun rounding the buoys, and cheerfully headed back to the harbor for some lunch and dry cloths.

Two days before the event, owner of the charter boat S/V Swan, Greg Arnold, offered the Swan as a spectator boat for the parents.  The S/V Swan is a 60' motor sailor ketch with a large, comfortable, dry cabin.  All the parents enjoyed a great view of the regatta from the Arnold's boat. 

After the race, a social in the clubhouse was held for all club members, the youth guests, and their parents.  Food and drinks were enjoyed by all, and everyone was please to be part of a successful event. 

WHSYC would like to thank the following club members and participants:

Bakers (Tlingit), Stinsons (Noatak), Wards (Radiance), Warrens (Razmataz), Clampets (Sea Wench), Heins (Eagle Borne), and of course, the generosity of the Arnolds (Swan) for the spectator boat.

We are all looking forward to a repeat success in 2006.  One thing is for sure:  it will be dryer than 2005.