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Westlake Yacht Club in the News |
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Conejo Valley Life, Aug 20, 2004
Westlake Yacht
Club Builds Junior Sailing on Olympic Tradition, |
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Allison Jolly started sailing at Westlake in 1980. Lynne Jewel Shore learned to sail in Westlake Yacht Club's junior program. Allison and Lynne worked hard developing their skills and became world-class sailors. When they decided to go to the U.S. Olympic Trials in Newport, Rhode Island, Club members supported their campaign with fund-raisers and other special events. Franklin Cofod, Commodore of Westlake Yacht Club in 1987, accompanied Allison and Lynne to Newport and recalls "the tension and pressure they felt was incredible. They work so hard for so long and if they didn't win, they'd go home empty-handed. We had one great party when they got back!" Together, Allison and Lynne went on to the Seoul Games in 1988 and won the first U.S. Olympic Gold Medal in women's sailing. Allison and Lynn continue to be Honorary Members of Westlake Yacht Club, which proudly displays an Olympic flag and a replica of their gold medal in their honor. Last year, Allison's 12 year-old daughter sailed in a Westlake Yacht Club regatta, and won! Just imagine what she might accomplish. America's future champions are still learning to sail in Westlake Yacht Club's Summer Sailing program. Free from waves, currents, severe weather and large boat traffic, the lake is an ideal place to learn to sail and to develop advanced skills. This year's summer program began on July 5 and consists of a one-week session for beginning sailors, a second one-week session for intermediates, and a third one-week session for advanced sailors. To accommodate busy schedules and provide more opportunities, sessions are repeated for a total of seven weeks of instruction. Over 100 youngsters are expected to participate this summer. Registration for next summer will begin in April. Mark your calendars; slots fill up quickly because the kids have so much fun learning to sail. Alexandra Gettings, age 9, is in her second summer at Westlake Yacht Club's Summer Sailing program. The daughter of Anne and John Gettings of Calabasas, Alexandra said "I had a great time sailing. I signed up for two weeks, but I liked it so much, I stayed for four weeks." According to Jacob "Jake" Piccus, age 13, "sailing at Westlake Yacht Club is so much fun! The instructors are very friendly and on the second day, I could sail. I think sailing is a great thing, even capsizing is a blast. I can't wait to race in my first regatta." Jake is the son of Emily and Michael Piccus of Westlake Village and attends Colina Middle School. (Every student is taught boat safety and emergency procedures, including how to right a capsized boat). Graduation day is a weekly highlight. Students and their parents join in for barbequed hamburgers and cold ice cream. New grads take parents out sailing, showing off their new skills, and sometimes trying to get their parents wet. It's great fun for all - participants and spectators alike. Bob Fleming has been co-director of WYC's Summer Sailing for 4 years. When asked why he's worked so hard to make the program a success, Bob replied, "it's great to see the kids show up on Monday with no knowledge of sailing, and in a few days they've learned the joy of this beautiful sport". Brent Van Volkinburg is the program's Head Instructor. Brent, who teaches third grade in Van Nuys and enjoys working with kids, remarked "kids can go to all kinds of summer camps, but how many get to go to sailing camp? I just want the kids to have best time possible, while being safe and learning a new skill that will last a lifetime." None of this would be possible without a fleet of working boats. Keeping 29 sabots, lasers, C-13's and FJ's in shipshape is a dedicated team of master boat-builders, Mark Miller and Lyle Schlyer. What drives these men to spend hundreds of hours preparing boats for Summer Sailing? The reward, says Lyle is "the sight of young sailors rapidly acquiring new skills. Credit ultimately goes to our excellent instructors, but I'm proud to help by keeping the boats on the water." Enrollment in Westlake Yacht Club's Summer Sailing program is open to any capable swimmer, 8 to 17 years old. Club membership is not required. Private individual and group instruction is also available year-round to Westlake Yacht Club's regular and junior members from WYC's Brian Foster, a U.S. Sailing Certified Instructor. Junior membership is free to the children of regular members and is available at a modest charge for anyone else under 19 years old. On August 27, 28 and 29, the Westlake Yacht Club will proudly host the 2004 U.S. Sabot National Championships. Over 100 of America's best young, and young-at-heart, sailors will compete for trophies and glory. Sailors from 8 to 80 will be divided into five classes: A, B, and C fleets for young saliors and Masters and Seniors for older sailors. U.S. Sabots are 8-foot long, are designed for solo sailing, and are the most popular boat for young sailors in Southern California. Everyone is invited to come to WYC's clubhouse to enjoy the spectacle! The lake will be covered with small sails and filled with big dreams. Westlake Yacht Club is situated on the shore of beautiful Westlake Lake at 32123 Lindero Canyon Road in the City of Westlake Village. For information about membership, junior sailing or the Sabot Nationals call 818-700-5257 or visit www.westlakeyc.org. -- Robert Piccioni, Rear Commodore |