Whistler Sailing Association
5678 Alta Lake Rd V0N 1B5 Whistler, BC, Canada

Missing summer? Look forward to next summer by booking your sailing camps as early as today! Link is like: http://whistlersailing.com/kids-youth-programs/

Reminder: You're Invited! WSA AGM & Haul Out - this Sat Oct 3rd - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Thank you for a great season! - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

WSA Coaches Quick Bio: Leo Bennett Home town: Pemberton, BC Sailing experience: Leo grew up sailing at WSA! He was one of the first sailors we had in our camps and has been around ever since.... Odd sailing moment: Two years ago, there was tons of smoke from forest fires on Alta lake and sailing on it was really eerie. Leo is very grateful that we normally have such a beautiful view! Best part about being a sailing instructor: Being able to spend lots of time on the water and sail. Favourite snack: Homemade sushi

WSA Coaches Quick Bio: Conor Warner Nickname: The Crane (He is 6'5") Hometown: Calgary, AB... Sailing experience: Conor has been sailing for the past 8 years. He spent his first two years sailing on the ocean and has been at WSA for the last six. Best sailing moment: When he was planning in a Laser right before nose-diving and eventually turtling the boat. Favourite part of being a sailing instructor: Being paid to be outside and active on the lake - the best job he could ask for! Favourite snack: A pan grilled cheese sandwich

Best way to hang out with your friends while social distancing? Sailing

WSA Newsletter and Fall Update - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

WSA Coaches Quick Bio: Leif Gasgoine Home town: Whistler, BC Sailing experience: Leif grew up sailing at WSA and has raced in Optis and Lasers.... Best sailing moment: Reminding James about the rules while racing against him. Favourite part about being a sailing instructor: Seeing himself in the kids and watching them grow into the best sailors they can be! Favourite snack: Goldfish Crackers

Whistler Sailing Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Perks of waking up early

WSA Quick Coaches Bio: Cliodhna Minihane Nickname: Nina (She couldn’t pronounce her name until she was nearly 6 so her parents went with this!) Home town: Schull, a little coastal town in the south of Ireland ... Sailing Experience: Cliodhna has sailed since she was 10, and as a teenager, discovered her love for yacht racing. However, she does admit that nothing feels better than a solo sail on a calm evening in a little dinghy, capsize free! Best sailing moment: When she crewed on a boat that won Calves Week Regatta back in Ireland. Her normal crew position is in the pit, but that year, it was the first time she skippered the boat across the finish line. The feeling of carrying a team of people so determined over the finish line is something she will never forget - and will hopefully feel again one day. Favourite part about being a sailing instructor: She loves seeing her youngest students progressing from not knowing what sailing is - to steering a boat solo. She says she feels like a proud mother. Favourite snack: She has the biggest sweet tooth EVER, so definitely chocolate covered something - chocolate-covered cherries to make it healthier!

The finish line is the week-end Happy Friday!

When you miss the hiking straps but manage to save it @ Whistler Sailing Association

Come join us for Wednesday Night Racing every Wednesday until Sept 2! Cost: $20 for a drop-in Rig: 5:30 pm... First horn: 6:15 pm Looks like tonight is going to be sunny skies, a high of 26 degrees & wind - the perfect conditions for sailing. It's Open Boat Night so all sailboats are welcomed. Join our Facebook group below! We created it to help members connect, find a crew, ask questions etc. See you soon!

Whistler Sailing News - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

WSA Coaches Quick Bio: Sam David Nickname: When he was twelve, he was by far the smallest kid on his race team and he was named "gun show". Hometown: Qualicum Beach, BC... Sailing experience: 8 years of sailing total, including 4 years of racing 420’s and 29ers Best sailing moment: When he fully caught air off of a wave in a 29er Favourite part about being a sailing instructor: Giving the kids the same fun experience he had growing up Favourite snack: Definitely Welch's Fruit Snacks

Whistler Sailing Summer Update - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

WSA Coaches Quick Bio: Aoife Gannon Home town: Whistler, BC Sailing Experience: Aoife grew up sailing at WSA! She raced in Optimists and Laser Radials. She is currently on the UBC sailing team where she is competing in Flying Juniors. ... Favourite part about being a sailing instructor: Watching the group progress throughout the week! Favourite snack: Carrots and hummus

It's about time we introduce you to our summer 2020 team! WSA Coaches Quick Bio: James Cannon Hometown: Sun Peaks, BC ... Sailing experience: Started sailing Optis at 9 years old before moving into Laser 4.7. He is now sailing Radials. Best sailing moment: Reaching in a laser when it's blowing 20+ knots Favourite part about being a sailing instructor: Passing on his passion for sailing to others while spending time outdoors Favourite snack: Cliff bars

Come join us for some Canada Day Wednesday Night Racing! - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Tonight is the first Wednesday Night Racing event for our summer series! Come join us at the Whistler Sailing Association at 5:30pm for some sweet sailing on Alta lake

It's WSA Summer Opening Week! - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Whistler Sailing Newsletter - We are officially opening on June 22! Make sure to mark down these dates on your calendar: June 22 - Official Opening Date June 24 - First Wednesday Night Race... June 29 - First Day of Summer Camp https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Whistler Sailing Update - https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

"How sailing prepared me for sheltering in place." A great read for all of us in isolation. https://www.outsideonline.com//sailing-coronavirus-shelter

An update on sailing operations in respect to COVID 19 from Whistler Sailing Association. Like you, Whistler Sailing is deeply concerned about the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. We take the health and safety of our sailors seriously, and want to promote socially responsible actions and practices during this time. We are also taking the advice of our health professionals and local authorities, and listening to their recommendations on social distancing and self isolation. At t...his time, Whistler Sailing will be postponing all Spring events which include the Creekbread Fundraiser, Boat Launch, School Sailing groups and the Spring Sailing Racing series. We are hopeful that our summer programming will go ahead in July/August, and ask that you stay tuned to our communication channels for further updates as they develop. Stay healthy, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Fair Winds, Francois Hebert, General Manager

Whistler Sailing News! A New Year at WSA, new fleet additions for 2020, seeking coaches and coaches accommodation, important dates and more! https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Kids & Youth sailing camp prices at Whistler Sailing will be increasing for the 2020 sailing season, however we are offering you an opportunity to take advantage of the 2019 prices until the end of the year. Purchase your 2020 5 day kids/youth sailing camp before January 1, 2020, and pay the same price as 2019. Click here to register: ... http://whistlersailing.com/kids-youth-programs/ See more

Congratulations to the 2019 Pirate Club Champions, David Stein and Bronwen Hill! Last night's race brought 12 knots of steady breeze to the lake, where the boats battled for the final race of the season. After the results were tabulated, the winners were presented their trophy. Thanks to everyone who came out last night, and see you on the race course next year for some more racing!

This past weekend was the 9th annual BC Circuit Regatta in Whistler! We had 75 boats participate, with 88 participants completing a total of 53 races over the two day event. Thank you to all of the participants who came out to enjoy the prevailing southerly on our beautiful Alta lake. Both days saw wind strengths between 12 and 19 knots which made for some fun and challenging racing. Whistler Sailing would also like to thank all of volunteers who made this event a success. ...Numerous people including the foreshore team, kitchen team and water team came together to make this happen. Specifically, we would like to thank Rob Woodbury for acting as Race Officer, Jenn Ross for acting as Chief Judge, the water team including Alan Sidorov, Bronwen Hill, Maura Dewey, Barbara Walker, the kitchen team including Dan and Trish Hadley, Joanna Heppner, Patrick McCurdy, the foreshore team including Mick Gannon at Carleton Way, Colin and Maria Cannon, Ildar Ilyasova, the parking team including David Stein, Patrick McCurdy, Sami Chouinard, and the all around help team including Melissa McLachlan, Peter Shrimpton, Hannah McCurly, David Ellis, Kim Fournel, and Ciaran Beveridge for coaching the Whistler Sailing team. We would also like to thank our event sponsors, including Nesters Market, Creekside Market, Independent Grocery Store, Daniels Kitchen, Tim Hortons and McDonalds. Event photos can be found at the following link, submitted from various contributors. Thank you to everyone who submitted images of this great event! https://drive.google.com//19fVOrVNhkWAnA3AfKZi5kdXHBF7GKkO See you next year!

WSA Coaches Bio: Aoife Gannon Aoife Gannon joins us for her second year coaching at Whistler Sailing, however she has been sailing on this lake for much longer. As a whistler local, she was born and raised in this town, and learned to sail at Whistler Sailing. She is a valued addition to our team, and we love watching her grow. Aoife began sailing in an Optimist, which she raced in Whistler and at the Pumpkin Bowl Regatta. She grew into a Laser, and continued to race the ...boat both in Whistler on Wednesday nights and at the Whistler BC Circuit events. Aoife is currently enrolled in the engineering program at UBC, she resumed her sailing by securing a place on the UBC Sailing team, where she competes up and down the coast in FJ's. When not in Whistler, Aiofe practices her sailing on her family keel boat located in Georgian Bay, Ontario. In the future, Aoife would like to progress her sailing to crewing on an ocean yacht. When not on the water, Aoife enjoys riding her bike, helping on her family farm, and skiing on the freeride team. She enjoys being outside, which is her favourite part of her role at Whistler Sailing. Aoife brings her natural leadership to our team. Her ability to take ownership and lead is something that comes second nature to her, and is noticed with her groups and peers both on and off the water. Aoife is an outside the box thinker, and often comes up with suggestions and ideas to improve the program at Whistler Sailing. Her core intent of providing every group she gets with the best sailing experience possible rubs off throughout the team. Aoife leaves us with some valuable information for those who are just starting to learn how to sail. "It is natural to be anxious about new things, including sailing. A wind shift or increase in wind strength can at times be scary. Just remember to breathe, and with more time in the boat and practice, the pieces will come together. There is so much joy once the skills are learned."

We wrapped up week 6 yesterday! A special thank you to all of our sailors that spent the week with us and enjoyed those beautiful summer days on the lake.

The summer weather brought the Pirate fleet out last night! Some pics taken from the excitement.

WSA Coaches Bio: James Cannon James Cannon joins us for his second season teaching at Whistler Sailing, and we couldn't be happier that he is part of the team. James is a born and bred Whistler sailor, starting his sailing adventure here on Alta Lake in Opti 1 at age 9. He immediately fell in love with the sport, and became our most dedicated camper spending multiple weeks a summer with us learning how to sail. ... As James continued to grow, he quickly found his height pushing him out of an Opti and into a Laser, where we further progressed his skills and developed a new passion for racing. He participated in multiple BC Circuit Regatta's, and in 2017 was ranked 3rd in the province in a Laser 4.7, while moving from a summer camper to a volunteer, and last year to a coach. Despite many favourite moments of James's sailing moments, a highlight includes last Wednesday when James beat head coach Francois Hebert on the race course for the first time ever, something he aspires to do again. James joins us seasonally from Sun Peaks, where he is all too familiar with ski town life. In his spare time, you can find James skiing or mountain biking, hence why he loves spending his summers in Whistler. He truly loves being outside and on the water, which is his favourite part of his role at Whistler Sailing. James brings his in depth local lake knowledge to our team. After spending multiple years on this lake, his intuition with the local wind pattern is indispensable. He is a critical thinker, and his maturity and confidence with his groups transpires into his class. His "can do" attitude is contagious in our team. James see's his future with sailing progressing into larger yachts, however he openly admits he is a dinghy sailor at heart, and loves his Laser. James leaves us with his favourite quote. "Don't wait to do things that matter. Savor the time you have. That's what you do when life is short." - Paul Graham

WSA Coaches Bio: Olivia Lamothe-Proulx Olivia joins us for her second year coaching with Whistler Sailing. She has been a Whistler local for 5 years, and loves the lifestyle that comes with living here. When she is not at the lake, she can be found swimming, skiing, biking or kiting in Squamish. Olivia grew up in Nicolet, Quebec, where she was introduced to sailing from her parents, who home built a family sailboat. They would take the boat out on the Saint Lawrence rive...r, which was the first time she experienced the wind. Olivia brings her high spirited character to our team. Her dynamic and energetic enthusiasm is felt by both her sailing groups and the sailing team. There is always smiles and laughter from Olivia's groups. In the future, Olivia plans to progress her sailing to the ocean, where she wants to take an extended trip to experience new horizons. Olivia leaves us with some words of wisdom for anyone looking to pursue sailing. "Sailing can take you places. It can feed an adventure that you never knew possible. It gives you a view that seldom people see into a world that is not accessible without a boat. Get into it, stick with it, and enjoy the ride."

Week 4 is wrapping up today, and what a great day it is on Alta Lake!

WSA Coaches Bio: Cliodhna Minihane Cliodhna joins the Whistler Sailing team this year from West Cork, Ireland, where she began sailing in Topper sailboats at the age of 13. She has taught sailing for 5 years, with her favourite part of the job teaching kids skills that not only introduce a new sport, but also introduce a new lifestyle. Cliodhna sails both dinghies and yachts, which she began racing when she was 15. She has worked her way through various regattas, includin...g Calves week, which she won 2 years ago. Her future sailing goals include achieving her Yachtmaster's, which requires yacht hours as a prerequisite. She accumulates these by participating on long distance navigational sailing where she is night shift on deck. Cliodhna brings her sharp attention to detail and nurturing personality to our team. When she is not on the water, Cliodhna enjoys long distance running with particular interest in good food, health and keeping fit. She is a Communications major, which is apparent through her effective coaching style. She also has a particular interest in the Sunday Independent newspaper, which her Mum ships her every week from Ireland. Cliodhna leaves us with a quote to share, and a good lesson while navigating life. "If you have a solution to a problem, then why worry about it. If you don't have a solution to the problem, then why worry?"

We had lots of sailors join us for our third week of Summer Camp! Thanks for a great week to all of our participants, and have a great weekend!

WSA Coaches Bio: Keaton McCallum Keaton joins us this year for his first season with Whistler Sailing. Originally from Oakville, Ontario, Keaton learned to sail in Perry Sound on Hobie 16's, and has been sailing ever since. This is Keaton's fourth year teaching sailing, with his favourite part of the role being the beautiful vista's he encounters every day and the awesome people he gets to meet. A highlight of Keaton's sailing experience took place in the British Virgin Isla...nds, where he was able to race an America's Cup boat. His passion for travel has taken him all over, including a recent 8 month surf trip to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Chile and Brazil before starting University in Victoria, where he studies Geography. Keaton brings his playful personality to the Whistler Sailing team. His creative outlook sparks inspiration and imagination with every group he coaches. There is always an adventure when Keaton is at the helm! Keaton provided some words of inspiration for his bio, as quoted by Ferris Bueller; "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Whistler Sailing hats for sale! This breathable cap by Ronstan is a well-made, quick dry hat suitable for sailing and other activities. Complete with a Hydrophobic outer layer, excellent sun protection, high IQ intelligent effects fabric, sweat band for increased comfort and grip, and a black under peak to reduce glare. Machine washable. Available in one adjustable size, complete with the Whistler Sailing logo. Order now while supplies last! https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=19227&lan=1&cartlevel=1

WSA Coaches Bio: Caitlin Turrell Caitlin joins us from Camberley, Surrey, and is spending her third season with Whistler Sailing. She brings her infectious positivity and fun loving personality to our team of instructors. Caitlin has sailed all over the world, including England, France, Greece, Croatia, New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada. She originally learned to sail on a reservoir in Staines, and quickly fell in love with the sport. She loves being on the water and... outside, which is her favourite part of her role at WSA. Caitlin has some words of wisdom for those pursuing sailing from those attending summer camp to adult lessons; "Sailing can take you anywhere you want to go. Stick with it!" Image: Clint Trahan

Open Boat Race last night at WSA. We had Lasers, Pirates and a Tasar on the start line. The breeze was up!

It's our first official day of summer camps at Whistler Sailing, and we couldn't be more excited to have the pitter patter of wet feet around us! Happy Canada Day everyone!

The Supervised Sail program is back this year, and starts this Saturday June 29th, from 1 - 4 p.m. It will then run every Saturday between 1 - 4 p.m. until August 31st, 2019. The Supervised Sail program is designed as a bridge program to help build confidence with new sailors. During these sessions, a certified coach is available to assist participants, including if you have a rigging question, would like some help docking, or would like to be monitored while on the water. ... You must be a member to participate in this program, in addition to have intermediate sailing abilities. Please note the coach is available for assistance, but not for direct supervision or a lesson. Participants should know the basics on how to sail and rig. Cost: - Pirate Sailboat: $20 per person for basic, racing and storage members - Hobie Sailboat: $30 per person for basic, racing and storage members - Included for Season Pass members and Season Pass Hobie members

Do you struggle launching your boat in a North wind at Whistler Sailing? Check out this How To Series for some tips and tricks from Head Coach Francois Hebert on docking in a North wind at the Whistler Sailing facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Ekp6k4m6Y&t=26s

After a busy training weekend, our 2019 WSA Instructor team is compiled and ready for a fun filled summer on Alta lake. Sailing camps start next week, and we can't wait to see all of our summer sailors again! Ladies front left; Caitlin, Cliodhna, Eloise, Aoife, Nicola, Olivia & Jill ... Men's back left; Francois, James, Keaton, Alec & Marius See you soon!

Summer Sailing Camps! Spend the summer on the lake with Whistler Sailing! Learn to sail from certified instructors while having fun. Weeklong camps and multi-day camps available throughout July and August. Programming for ages 5 - 18. Discounted Start of Summer camp runs June 24 - June 28! ... Register online at whistlersailing.com, and see you on the lake! Images: Yulia Gladysheva Photography

There was magic this past weekend at Whistler Sailing... Sending a huge congratulations to our Commodore and President, Patrick, and his beautiful new bride Hannah. We are so happy for you! Read more in this weeks newsletter: https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

We are looking forward to meeting everyone tonight! See you soon!

Our Community Open House is tomorrow! If you plan on attending, don't forget to RSVP to [email protected]. See you then! https://www.facebook.com/events/507751446428502/

Just a reminder, Member Clinics will be hosted on Wednesday evenings this year, from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. These will take place directly before Wednesday Night Races. This is a great way to warm up for the race, and review important skills to enhance your sailing! The next member clinic is this week, Wednesday June 5 @ 5 p.m. Clinics are included for Season Pass members, $20 for Basic and Racing members. You must know how to sail to participate. For more information, please s...ee our website at the following link: https://whistlersailing.com/join-our-club/ See you then!

The breeze was on for the first Pirate Race Series last night!

You're Invited to our Community Open House! Monday June 10th, 4:30pm - 7:30pm FREE to attend! ... This session is for you! If you are curious about sailing, interested in learning, or interested in enrolling your child in summer camp, join us for a free evening on the lake! This is a great opportunity to: * Meet coaches and members of WSA * Learn about Whistler Sailing programs and membership options * Try sailing as a crew member on a pirate sailboat or Hobie Wave The Whistler Sailing Association has a mission to make sailing accessible for everyone. Our community Open House are designed to create new sailors, build interest and share our sport with the community. No previous experience required. 16+, teens and kids must be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend so we can be sure to have enough boats on the water to accommodate everyone! See you June 10th!

"Sometimes there just isn’t any wind, sometimes there is too much. Rain happens, things occasionally break, patience is often a necessity. Things don’t always go as planned. That is sailing and that is life. Learning coping skills to work through unexpected curve-balls and cultivating the ability to adapt and thrive regardless of the circumstances is possibly my favourite lesson." An interesting read if you are thinking of putting your kids in sailing lessons. https://thriveglobal.com//what-your-daughter-learns-when/

Did you catch us on Mountain FM last week? Check out the audio and more Whistler Sailing news in this week's newsletter. https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Whistler Sailing News! Painting Party at WSA, Wednesday Night Race Night Update, Helmets for the 2019 Season, GoFest, Standard First Aid Course and more! https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

Wow! After a busy weekend, Whistler Sailing is painted! Rooms completed include the classroom, locker room, office and shop. What a team! Thanks to everyone who came out to help, and a special shout out to a couple warriors including Barbie Walker and Kim Fournel for putting in extra hours. We couldn't have done it without you!!

Just a reminder, the first Wednesday Night Race is next week on May 15th! Be sure to review the race rules and points scoring system on our website if you have your eye on the club championship this year. Very important to pay attention to rule #8! http://whistlersailing.com/races-family-club-sail/... Also a great resource for if you need a refresh on how to rig your pirate sailboat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWWMiULBBdM&t=20s See you Wednesday for the first race of the 2019 season!

We need your help this Saturday May 11th! Painting Party @ Whistler Sailing 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.... We need you! Our facilities are currently under renovation after some water pipes burst this winter, and caused signifiant water damage to both cabins. We currently have an opportunity to paint before the new floors go in, but need your help! It's a small job for many hands. We will provide the supplies and lunch, you bring your skills. Please RSVP if you are available to help this Saturday, and thank you in advance! See you Saturday!

The results are in! It was the best Creekbread Fundraiser to date. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone involved - check out the link for more info! https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette

The Whistler Sailing annual Creekbread Fundraiser is TONIGHT! Come talk sailing and help support your local Sailing Club! Event starts at 5pm, and bidding on silent auction items is open from 5 - 8 p.m. Let's raise some dough! Today is also the LAST DAY to take advantage of our Early Booking Offer! Save 15% on any 5 day kids camp if booked before end of day today.... https://mailchi.mp//whistler-sailing-association-newslette