Set sail on Aylesford Lake

BY JENNIFER HOEGG

Kings County Register

Looking for a competitive edge or a putter around the lake?

The Aylesford Lake Yacht Club is expanding its adult lessons this summer, giving aspiring Valley sailors of all ages the opportunity to learn the ropes. Even experienced sailors can benefit. “My husband and I have participated in an adult clinic and we loved it,” club member Jane Goodfellow says. “After sailing together for the last 25 years, one clinic changed our entire way of sailing - for the better.”

ALYC’s Learn-to-Sail program began in 2005 to encourage a new generation of sailors. The volunteer-run program started adult lessons last year, and is adding four group clinics and private lessons this season. Goodfellow says the program is growing in response to community demand. “People want (lessons) and we can give them, so why not?”

Adult sailing lessons are tailored to participants’ personal goals, Goodfellow notes. “Our instructors try to foster whatever style of sailing the adults want to follow”

Something for everyone

Goodfellow thinks part of the sports' popularity is its primal appeal. “It’s kind of a primitive thing… to be transported without any kind of motor.”

Aylesford Lake is an ideal place for beginning sailors, young or old, program manager Leah Beveridge says. “It’s got enough wind if you really want to be physical and get your heart rate up, but it’s small enough and calm enough you can relax and let the wind take you around the lake.”

Children’s lessons are still the core of LTS, with Canadian Yachting Association programs all summer. Younger children can try Wet Feet, an introductory day camp giving five- to nine-year-olds a head start on learning to sail. “It’s a great way to go play on the water,” Beveridge says. The benefits extend to dry land. “This is an incredible team building exercise. Kids in a boat have to work together. They learn leadership skills. It’s a character building activity.”

Goodfellow became involved with the club because her children loved the program. She is still impressed with their experience. “It’s incredible. Incredible! There are so many aspects of the sailing program that are good for children’s development.”

Healthy lifestyle and water safety are key elements, she says. “It’s more physical a sport than people would think. There is a lot of strength and coordination required.” “Another aspect is the proximity to the water. The program helps to make kids comfortable and safe around the water. It’s very safety oriented.”

Sailing has a scientific component, too. “Kids understand the wind, they’re taught about the weather, about the physics and mechanics of a foil – how a sail works.” “We have single-handed sailing, but our program revolves around double-handed sailing,” Goodfellow says. “(Kids) have to be able to both skipper and crew... your child is going to learn to listen to someone else, but also to give orders.”

Adult clinics take place July 11 and 25 and August 8 and 22. Youth lessons begin July 2. For registration information, email alyclearntosail@gmail.com or call 679-1588.