Page 15 - March/April 2019 Kwasind

IDEAL 18 FLEET - A STRONG COMMUNITY FOR SAILORS AT ALL LEVELS
Dale King and Michelle Clemo
The Ideal 18 class of boat is aptly named: it’s an ideal boat to learn to sail, develop sailing and racing skills, compete in level racing, or simply enjoy sailing with family and friends. With Learn to Sail programs, social sailing and Club racing, the fleet offers many opportunities to get involved, meet other Ideal 18 enthusiasts and create one’s own sailing adventure.
On Monday evenings, the incredibly popular Women’s Social Sailing Program offers the basics of sailing and empowers women to take the helm in a fun social atmosphere. On Tuesday evenings, women who want to hone their racing skills, practice spinnaker work and learn racing tactics. “There’s a strong mentorship aspect to this program as women of all levels master every aspect of sailing,” says Michelle Clemo, Fleet Captain of the Women’s Program. “This program is all about having fun while learning to sail, yet it’s also inspiring to see women develop into confident sailors, take the boats out on weekends and compete in Thursday night races and regattas. What began as a fun social program has developed into a strong supportive community of women sailors.”
Wednesday evenings is devoted to men and women who want to learn to sail and is very popular with new Members to the RCYC as well as families and Members of all ages. With a self-tacking jib, a sturdy keel and simple rigging, the Ideal 18 provides an ultra-safe environment to learn.
The fleet of approximately twelve boats undergoes a transformation on Thursday evenings as some of the Club’s most seasoned sailors compete in a decades- long tradition of Ideal 18 Club Racing. Each month during the summer the fleet also hosts a regatta: five races in the harbor with a post-race debriefing with
an expert. “With the fleet members being diverse, there’s competition at all levels of sailing,” says Dale King, co-Fleet Captain along with Tom Johannsen. “Probably my favourite aspect of the fleet is the sense of community,” says Dale, “There’s a real spirit of mentorship on and off the course.” This year, Ramona Bavington, long-time Ideal 18 sailor and former Women’s Sailing Fleet Captain, will take on the role of mentor to new fleet members to help encourage more people to join and experience all the benefits the Ideal 18 Fleet has to offer.
The Ideal 18 Fleet strives to provide opportunities for men and women to learn from first-class sailors. This year once again, you can look forward to race clinics, CANSail evaluation, special TGIF days and more.
The following are key dates to look forward to as part of the Ideal 18 Fleet. Registration for all of the Ideal 18 programs begins April 1st. To find out more about how you can become part of this dynamic fleet, visit our display at Sailebration or contact Jennifer Farrand, head of Adult Sailing at 416.967.7245 ext 590.
Ideal 18 Open House: Thursday, March 28th Rust Remover: Wednesday, May 22nd Sailebration: Friday, April 5th
Spring Work Party: Saturday, April 27th
(rain date: May 4th)
Thursday Night Racing Begins:– Thursday, May 9th
Ideal 18 Training Day: Saturday, May 25th Women’s Program Begins: Monday, May 27th
Left & Right: Women’s Social sailing. Photos: Courtesy of Jenny Farrand. KWASIND • MARCH/APRIL 2019 15
SAILING