2005 Instructor Development Clinics Kick Off with Success!!!

(Back L-R: Colin Frenke, Royden Brousseau, Chris Hewson, Colin May, Tom Nelson, Olga Koubrak, Mike Egberts. Front: Graham Fraser)

In the month of May Lake Ontario water temperature averages 6 degrees Celcius.  Most people would not consider this to be a suitable time for dinghy sailing, let alone swimming.  However, for 85 sailors from across the province this wasn't so.  Already Ontario has run 2 boat rescue clinics, 1 sailing skills weekend, 1 Green, 2 Blue, and 1 Orange clinic.  Candidates were eager to get their sailing season underway and rose few complaints about the freezing temperatures.

CYA (Canadian Yachting Association) certified Instructors are put through a rigorous 50 hour clinic where they are tested and evaluated on their sailing skills, theory, and their ability to teach/coach both on and off the water.  Not only that, but the preparation prior to attending a clinic is also extensive.  Instructors are required to be certified with their First Aid and CPR, their National Coaching Certification, Boat Rescue, and Pleasure Craft Operators Card.  At first glance this may appear to be excessive, however, CYA certified instructors are internationally recognized and have been hired around the world to teach.  Australia, Grand Cayman, Bermuda, USA, various Club Med sites, and Europe are a few areas where instructors from Ontario have worked in recent years.  Not only that, but also within Canada there are many opportunities, clubs from B.C. to P.E.I. are seeking certified instructors.

What a great way to spend your summer!  Introducing new people to sailing while enjoying the outdoors, wind, water, and sun.  For more information on becoming an instructor check out our Instructor Services link.  OR for more information about instructor jobs check out our Job Listings link.

(L-R: Tom Nelson, Royden Brousseau, Tim Bishop, Trevor McEwen)