Can you believe that another winter has gone by, maybe not as quickly as we all would have hoped! 

The 2011 sailing season at the newly named HSC (Hubbards Sailing Club) will be the most exciting ever as we’ll be sailing out of the soon to be completed new facility that will make HSC a truly world class facility to match the high caliber of programming we offer in some of the best sailing waters in the world (St. Margaret’s Bay).

The 2010 season was an extraordinary season both in numbers of sailors as well as the quality of instruction. Led one again by Justin Bean (Cpt.) as Head Instructor, the team of dedicated coaches delivered an excellent program to the 139 (an increase of 13 from last year) young sailors who participated. Their commitment to adhering to Hick’s focus of providing a fun learning environment while teaching a life-long skill should be commended.

In the Spring of 2010, all the coaches worked very hard to revitalize the fleet of 420’s up to sailing standard. These efforts along with general maintenance on the Echo fleet made the state of the HSC fleet over-all very high. The older wooden Opti’s were also brought to sailing standard, the boats never looked so good, most with fresh coats of paint, some even with racing stripes which we’re sure made them go faster somehow !!

We will be repeating the immensely successful Beginner level (Thank You Lindsey once again and best of luck in your new endeavors!) that introduced the sport to 48 new young sailors this year!! This was the second year that this level was offered and allowed younger sailors an un-intimidating environment to get a feel of what the sailing world is all about. Many of those who participated chose to stay on and continue their experience in Opti or White Sail I levels.

New to HSC this year will be an Opti Race program; this will allow those more experienced Opti Sailors to train under our head coach Justin Bean to further refine sailing skills in an Opti that they’ve learned, also in a fun learning environment. Enhanced racing skills and regatta support will also be part of this program.

A Learn to Race component will once again be offered as part of the Silver VI level for those that wish to experience the competition and excitement of the many well organized Regatta’s that are offered throughout the summer in Nova Scotia and beyond. Last year marked the first year that a group of HSC sailors went to the International Cork Regatta in Kingston Ontario. 

I am pleased to say that most of our coaches will be returning to us this summer; the exceptions being Lindsey Parker, whose positive attitude and sparkling personality will be greatly missed around the club. Her replacement has been found in Mathew Burke; as well a new addition to the coaching team will be Jim Schwartz who will be coaching in our expanded White program

Once again thanks to all the coaches for creating the spirit that makes HYC such a special place.

Please contact Morgan Van Horne, Vice Commodore Learn to Sail, for more info regarding the 2011 Learn to Sail program. mvanhorne@amca.ca

 Sailors - 2010 Season

Coaches - 2010 Season