This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Gibsons Learn to Sail program (LTS), which invites youngsters aged eight to 16 to enjoy this healthy outdoor activity. Last year there was a record 75 participants, and since 1979 there have been hundreds more who have learned to sail in this ideal location.
Program organizers have recently launched a new website, www.learntosail-gibsons.ca. Here students can register online, check out the latest news items, view a photo library and link to other sailing organizations on the Coast. Students can also submit their comments, questions and opinions. There is a calendar page highlighting upcoming events, staff and instructor profiles, full course information and even weather alerts. Last year, LTS ran very successful courses for the Alternative Schools in Sechelt and Gibsons, as well as the Sea Cadets and even included some adventurous adults. This summer LTS has confirmed a two-week course June 8 to 19 with the Alternative School inviting eight of their students to further their impressive sailing skills with the program. There will also be intensive weekend courses for 14 Sea Cadets June 13 to 14, June 27 to 28 and July 6 and 7, and 12 students from Elphinstone Secondary School will take part in sailing clinics June 2 and 4. Tonya Ste. Marie from North Bay, Ont. has been hired as the new head instructor. Ste. Marie is currently in her third year of bachelor of arts program at Nipissing University and brings a great deal of sailing and teaching experience to LTS.
New senior instructor is Phoebe Gilday, who worked with LTS in 2008 as learn-to-race instructor. Gilday is an undergraduate in naval architecture and marine engineering at the Mem-orial University of New-foundland and has a wealth of racing experience.
LTS plans to also hire two junior instructors, graduates of the program, to teach at white sail level this summer. And for those keen young sailors who have completed the program to bronze five level but are too young to take the instructor training, LTS will be hiring some as helpers to keep their interest in sailing alive.
LTS is building impressive new floats to provide a safe facility with space to rig, launch and stow the Laser and Pico boats.
This project is encouraged by much co-operation from the local community - Al Tsuji for the design and materials, Ian Ross of Terminal Forest Products for providing a building site at Twin Creeks, Trevor Reid (The Welder Guy) for the welding work, GBS for wholesale prices on lumber and Dan Crosby for offering to tow floats to the anchor location.
LTS is also pleased to launch the Dave Smethurst scholarship in memory of its founder to encourage young people to sail who may otherwise be unable to afford the cost of a sailing course. Joyce Smethurst is especially proud of the new Laser named in her late husband's memory, which was purchased last summer thanks to generous donations by the Town of Gibsons, loyal parents of LTS students and many individuals.
