NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the Brakewinders newsletter! Your place to keep up to date on all the exciting wind braking events! 2023 has brought many developments! Many sailors sailed several boats! A few broke, they got fixed, and sailed again! Excellent lessons were learned and much fun was had!
Much administrative drudgery was also accomplished! Electing a board of directors and incorporating as a not-for-profit has allowed us to join Ontario Sailing! This membership comes with many resources and support. The staff have been incredibly helpful in learning the intricacies of running a sailing school. They have given us the honour of hosting the MainSail program, a fleet of 8 RS Zest dinghies.
Five members have already completed the required Coach Fundamentals Course which has given us the training required for developing the program we will run in 2024! Exciting developments are developing!
2023 IN REVIEW
FIRSTS
April 15 FIRST Sail
by Steve, Andy and Peppy
Rockin’ racing zinc in the long suffering Spindrift, the chaps brave the early season air! The sad realization that our well intentioned repairs did not improve the boats performance led us to place the poor thing on the disabled list for the year. Rebuilding the hull is now a winter 2024/25 problem.
May 31 FIRST Opti Sail
by Anna, Finn and MJ
Introducing the Industry Plants to the delights of the 9th point of sail- Colpoys Bay. An exercise in light wind sailing. And nothing broke!
June 21 FIRST Snipe Sail
by Steve and Peppy
The Canadian National Snipe Regatta gave Steve and Peppy an introduction to Serious Sailing and Serious Fun! Our intrepid sailors being well versed in ill-maintained club boats allowed them to keep the boat sailing and to secure a solid 11th place finish! This experience led us to commit our club to one design Snipe racing as the future of elite dinghy racing in Colpoys Bay.
EVENTS
July 15-16th FIRST Sailing Clinic & Lazer Regatta
Harri and Ryan
Our first sailing weekend was well attended with 8 sailors participating. Much fun was had by the attendees, an equal split between new and returning sailors. After class Harri and Ryan led the instructors in Colpoys Bay's first ever Lazer Regatta. Michal showed us all how to capsize with grace and elegance.
August 20-21st SECOND Sailing Clinic & Lazer Regatta
Harri and Ryan
Our second weekend clinic was as successful as the first, with 7 returning sailors! This time Brakewinder Anna won the Wet Fart Award for most capsizes as she learned to tame the beast that is Ryan's high performance Laser. The only casualty being her glasses. The second After Class Laser Regatta saw the fleet doubled to 4 boats!
December 9 Wiarton Santa Clause Parade
by Brakewinders
Rocking out to the wicked grooves of The Industry Plants the Brakewinders led Squid Viscous in the annual march down Berford Street. Not only did we become "social media stars" we also took home the award for Best Music!
December 26 LAST Sail
by Anna, Steve and Peppy
Taking advantage of the unsettlingly warm weather our sailors went out for a Boxing Day sail to say that they did. A survival suit makes an Opti much more comfortable! This sets the record for late season sailing in Colpoys Bay.