Page 94 - PCYC 75th Anniversary Book

Steerers’ and Four Sisters Regattas

Until the late 1950s, there were no competitive events for junior sailors in the Toronto area, so juniors quite often raced
against adults in open dinghy events. In 1959 the junior instructors at Port Credit Yacht Club, under the direction of Fleet
Captain Ron Searle, invited a few of the junior programs from neighbouring clubs to come to the mouth of the Credit River
for a regatta. The event was such a success that it has been held every year since. In 1968 a trophy was created from a
wooden Nutshell rudder, hence the name Steerers’. It is presented to the best junior club in the regatta.
Since 2000 the Four Sisters Regatta, an open dinghy regatta, has been held immediately following the Steerer’s. In 2010
these two great regattas hosted nearly 800 participants, mostly young sailors and coaches, plus parents and chaperones
over the four days.

It’s Not Easy Being Green Regatta

Started and nurtured by Ethel Thayer, this regatta is for the newest sailors. The Optimist Dinghy is the largest one
design fleet in the world and was designed to teach sailing. Opti sailors are divided into groups by age and experience
and the youngest are in Green Level. It’s Not Easy Being Green Regatta is especially to help young sailors learn the
thrill of competition in a fun, supportive atmosphere. On the first day, a guest coach provides a clinic on skills and
tactics while the second day is for racing and fun.
While learning is often associated with the very young, the ongoing opportunity for each boater to add to his or her
experience, techniques and skills keeps boating fresh and challenging for all of us, regardless of age.

92 The Way We Are