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Students set sail on the Saginaw river.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Local Youth Set Sail on the Future

Sailing lessons and free boat usage secures a fun sailing future

August 10, 2013       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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For many of us, we see people sailing on the river or lakes and think, boy that looks fun but I can't afford to try it. You either need a sailboat or know someone who would let you try it and then you need someone to teach you. Well that is what the Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association is all about.

Established in 1995, their motto is: Offering sail training and affordable access to sailing since 1995. And they are true to their word.


Several sailing students sail between the two downtown bridges.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Located at the east side of the Saginaw River in downtown Bay City, the Association offers both sailing lessons for youth and adults but most importantly, offers sail boats for both training and usage after the lessons are done. The best part, most of the vessels are available for members, free of charge.

SBCSA offers four levels of training for the youth during the summer with each two week course running from Monday through Thursday. An evening session is available for adults interested in enjoying the thrill of sailing.


Instructor helps students launch from the docks.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The track is set.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The students focus learning the course.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


We caught up with the Intermediate level class this past Wednesday. Brothers Ryan, Ethan and Austin all commented how much they love the classes. They have been sailing for the last three years and say, "It's really fun." Gavin has also been sailing for the last three years and says his favorite part "is the free sailing every Tuesday and Thursday." From 6pm on, members, which every one becomes just for taking the class, are able to use the boats for free sailing between the two downtown bridges.


Ryan and his partner navigate the course.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Each person as a specific job they perform while on the boat.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


The students are in capable hands as both instructors, Jeremy and Allison, were trained through these classes and have been sailing for 10 years. They actually met in these classes. Jeremy has been teaching for 5 years and Allison has been teaching for the last 3 years. These instructors utilize a motor boat to quickly move from boat to boat offering tips and when needed assistance. Jeremy noted, "The kids really love it" . . . and it was easy to see that is true.


Instructors Jeremy and Allison keep sharp eyes on the sailing students.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The instructors give tips and pointers to insure proper technique.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The instructors come in to figure out the problem.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Ryan was hoping for capsizing drills today and while I didn't see his boat tip over, one group of boys seemed to enjoy working on this technique. It was amazing to watch the boat tip over and the students would quickly have the boat upright without much fuss. This seemed like a nice way to cool off on a sunny afternoon.


After the sailboat turtled (flip upside down) the boys are told how to roll the boat over.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Finishing the upright portion, now it's time to get back in the boat.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


SBCSA is not just for the youth. Adult activities and benefits are there as well including lessons and boat building in the winter. For more information check their well informed web site at: sbcsa.org.


After docking the boats the kids start loosening the ropes and bringing down the sails.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The boys work on putting away the equipment.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

A review and critique of events of the day.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


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John Keuvelaar

John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.

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