Hi ECSC Members,

There is not  much going on on the Safety & Education department this time of year.  We are wrapping up 2016 and looking toward 2017. Looking back at 2016 shows that it was quite productive.  

One of our accomplishments this year was the construction of the new ECSC Junior Sailing school building.  It turned out great! It has a pavilion area for teaching larger groups such as camp or our adult training classes, as well as an indoor area.  Our intent is to be able to use the facility not only for camp, but also physical training of our junior sailors. It should also work well for chalk talks and video training regardless of the weather.  Looking forward, we are planning on outfitting the structure with a few items to facilitate these activities.

2016 junior results were on par with expectations.  As previously reported, Cameron Douglas finished 1st in the I-LYA Junior Traveler Series for the season and Reagan Lessick tied for 6th.  Cam also finished 3rd at Junior Bay week in a very tight four day regatta consisting of 18 races.  Cam has aged out of his Junior status at the end of this season and is off to college at Eckard in ST. Petersburg, Florida.  Jon Schwartz competed in a limited schedule this year, but spent much time behind the scenes instructing possible future additions to the team.

Educationally, it was a good year for the Juniors as well.  Cam earned his level 3 coaching license, Jon earned his level 2 license, and Reagan & Tina Williams completed their level 1 instructors licenses.   ECSC’s help of these young adults in furthering their education is critical to the success of our youth camps. ECSC has had a long history of employing US Sailing certified instructors as our youth camp instructors. Our youth program could not happen without these dedicated young ECSC juniors.  There is also a long term benefit for both the good of the sport and the good of ECSC in having more people available to teach sailing.

2017 Sailing Camp dates will be set soon. Check the  camp page or watch your ECSC email for more information.

Chuck Lessick,

Safety and Education Chair