Author: Whistler Sailing

By Kate Heskett | July 16, 2024

Whistler is well known for its laid-back lake culture, with mountains, trees, docks and fresh water providing many idyllic spots to hang out and relax on a warm sunny day. What people might not know is that the north end of Alta Lake is also home to a reliable afternoon thermal, making it the perfect place to learn and practise sailing. 

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Whistler Sailing Race Team Shines at Waves Regatta

The Whistler Sailing Association (WSA) race team made a strong showing at the Waves Regatta held at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club( RVYC) on June 22-23. The team consisted of 11 dedicated sailors, with nine competing in Lasers ILCA 6 sailboats and two in Optimist sailboats.

The event began with a one-day clinic on Friday, which provided a fantastic warm-up and practice opportunity for the team. The winds on Friday were the best of the weekend, setting a promising tone for the races to follow.

Saturday brought light winds from the southeast, combined with a very strong flood tide in the afternoon. These challenging conditions resulted in many general recalls, testing the sailors’ skills and patience. On Sunday, the wind shifted to the south and was notably swirly, adding another layer of complexity to the races.

Despite these conditions, the WSA team had several noteworthy performances:

• Lira Ilyasova achieved an impressive 5th place overall finish in the ILCA 6 class.
• Thien Do Noc secured 4th place in his age group within the white fleet.
• Gwendolyn Spires finished 10th in the blue fleet.
• India Becker placed 19th in the highly competitive 35-boat laser fleet.

The team’s hard work, skill, and determination were evident throughout the weekend, and they represented WSA with pride and sportsmanship. Full results can be found here.

Congratulations to all the sailors for their excellent performances and for making WSA proud!

Unleash your child’s summer adventure with Sailing! Take advantage of the start of summer promotion running next week!!

Option 1

• 15% off the 5-day beginner and intermediate camps running July 1-5
• Use code: summer24 at checkout

Option 2

• Can’t commit to the full week due to Canada Day? No problem! Our special 4 day camp rate from July 2-5 offers the same fun and excitement in a condensed timeframe. 
• Special 4-day camp rate for July 2-5: $320 Book now!

We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and generosity shown during our recent sailing fundraiser. Thanks to the active participation and contributions from our community, we successfully raised $11,819.90 towards our initiative. This funding is a significant step towards enhancing our facilities, including the construction of a deck with a protective cover, creating a versatile and sheltered space for teaching and community activities.

Your dedication ensures that we can continue offering enriching outdoor experiences to children and youth, fostering a love for sailing and a strong sense of community. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors and participants for making this vision a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future for Whistler Sailing.

Learn more at whistlersailing.com/fundraising

Each year, dedicated volunteers gather to kick off the season and assist with our annual boat launch. Their invaluable support forms the foundation of this event, and we couldn’t do it without them. Thank you!

As families seek enriching activities for their children, a time-honored tradition stands out: sailing. The allure of the open water isn’t just about leisure; it’s about fostering invaluable life skills and experiences.

1. Instilling Confidence and Responsibility

Sailing empowers children with a sense of independence and self-reliance. As they learn to navigate the waters, they gain confidence in their abilities to overcome challenges. Taking charge of a sailboat teaches responsibility, as every decision impacts their journey—a lesson that transcends the seas into their everyday lives.

2. Cultivating Teamwork and Communication

Sailing is a team sport that thrives on effective communication and collaboration. Whether racing with a crew or cruising with family, children learn to work together harmoniously to achieve a common goal. From hoisting sails to navigating, every task reinforces the importance of clear communication and mutual support.

3. Connecting with Nature and the Environment

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, sailing offers a refreshing escape into nature. Children develop a profound appreciation for the environment as they observe marine life, feel the wind in their sails, and witness the beauty of sunsets over the water. These experiences instill a lifelong stewardship for protecting our environment and natural habitats.

4. Nurturing Problem-Solving Skills

Sailing presents a dynamic environment where conditions can change in an instant. From shifting winds to unexpected obstacles, sailors must adapt and think critically to navigate safely. This fosters strong problem-solving skills as children learn to assess situations, make decisions under pressure, and execute effective solutions—a valuable asset in all aspects of life.

5. Fostering a Lifetime of Adventure and Exploration

Learning to sail opens a gateway to a world of adventure and exploration. Whether exploring coastal waters, cruising exotic destinations, or participating in regattas around the globe, sailing offers endless opportunities for discovery. By introducing children to this timeless pastime, parents ignite a passion for exploration that can last a lifetime.

For more information on how to introduce your children to the world of sailing, visit whistlersailing.com/kids-youth.

We are sending a huge congratulations to General Manager, Francois Hebert who has taken the title of the ILCA 7 Masters US National Champion in San Francisco this past weekend. 45 boats battled it out in San Francisco Bay over the three day event.

Results can be found here on the ILCA 7 tab.

Congratulations Francois!

Every year, we cherish the fundraiser as the start of the sailing season. Whistler Sailing is asking for your support on Monday April 17th at the annual Whistler Sailing Fundraiser. For every pizza sold, Creekbread will donate a portion of the pizza sales to Whistler Sailing. Funds will be used to support kids and youth sailing programs.

Please note this event is take out only.

Call 604.905.6666 to order, or visit creekbread.com for ordering information.

Article written by John Renehan

October 4, 2022 Exceptional Tasar World Championship on Puget Sound

The Bergans take the top spot in a highly competitive Worlds fleet during a week that offered sun and wind for all five days of racing in central Puget Sound. The Seattle-based pair of Dalton and Lindsay Bergan won the Tasar World Championship on Puget Sound over the third week of September. Seattle teams dominated the top spots, showing off what two-and-a-half years of tuning, rigging, and technique refinements can do to advance a class. Dalton and Lindsay’s excellent starts, consistently cunning decision-making, and all-around speed kept them ahead of Jonathan and Libby McKee often enough to take the win. This is the first Tasar Worlds victory for Dalton and Lindsay; and it is Dalton’s second world title of the year, following his Aero victory in June.

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