About Us
History
The North Shore Sailing Team was created in 2007 with the goal of raising the level of youth sailing on the north shore and also allow opportunities for coach development. Over the last 3 years we have made leaps and bounds in terms of organization structure, resources, and participation. In 2007 we had 14 sailors on two teams, Laser and Optimist. As of September 2010 we have 52 sailors on four teams: Laser, 420, Optimist Rep, and Optimist Development. With assistance from BC Sailing, we also have 2 sailors training in the 29er, with more to join in the spring.
With four dedicated coaches, our sailors have attended a total of 16 regattas in 2010 and participated in two training camps at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Whistler. 7 of our sailors attended the BC Summer Games this past summer, and came home with 3 medals. We were also able to purchase a trailer we affectionately call "Da House" due to its house-like qualities. This trailer has allowed us to travel more and save money on ferry and mileage. Fully loaded it can accommodate up to 18 Optimists or 12 Lasers as well as a coach boat. Our plan for 2011 includes attending training camps across the province, as well as all the BC Circuit regattas, the Western Canada Games trials, and Sail West in Manitoba.
The West Vancouver Yacht Club has graciously been the home of the NSST since it inception. We share many resources with WVYC including coach boats, 420s, and Optimists. We have also received capital to help pay for a portion of the trailer, and are now fundraising to pay for the remainder. Our goal is to pay off the trailer within the next year, and continue fundraising in order to buy a team vehicle and dedicated NSST coach boat within the next 3 years.
Program Goals
Create a Regional Training Center
By creating a regional training center a greater number of youth will be able to utilize existing equipment and further resource development is more likely. This expansion will benefit all sailors on the North Shore and in turn, will benefit the level of racing and high performance sailing in BC.
West Vancouver Yacht Club will be the training center for fitness, theory and on water teaching. West Vancouver Yacht Club will volunteer its storage facilities during the all seasons in the parking lot to be used by all members of the North Shore Sailing Team costs included in NSST insurance fees. It is recommended that all members store there boats at WVYC to ease communication and punctuality.
Organization and Club Resources
Currently the West Vancouver Yacht Club (WVYC) has an active race team that participates in a twelve-month training program. WVYC currently has fifteen optimists that are available for this program and has plans to expand this fleet aver the next two years.
Eagle Harbor Yacht Club (EHYC), Hollyburn Sailing Club (HSC), and Deep Cove Yacht Club (DCYC) also have existing race teams that have potential to expand and grow. These three clubs do not have year round programs and we feel would benefit from a regional program offering continuity.
Boats will be the responsibility of the sailors to provide, and maintain. This is necessary because of the demands of the use of the boats. Eagle Harbour Yacht Club has chartered to its sailors the use of two Bytes, one Radial, and one Full-rig. West Vancouver Yacht Club has chartered to its sailors the use of one Radial, ten 420's, and three 29ers. We hope that other clubs follow suit in order to offer a low-cost opportunity for its club sailors to participate in the NSST and the BC Youth Circuit. Conditions, terms and payment for charter is to be determined between the sailors ?home? club and the sailors themselves.
Communication
Communication will be conducted through the Regional Director Graeme Clendenan. Graeme Clendenan will then refer questions to the head coaches for each fleet; Graeme Clendenan for Single Handed, Jenn Grierson for Optimist Rep, Madelyn Jones for Optimist Dev, and Ryan Cutting for 420s.
NSST a great place to meet people, train and enjoy time on the water!
