West Marine Presents SBCSA with Check (L/R) Bob Nelb,Terry Monville,and Joe Parker

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Spectacular Turn Out For 'Try Sailing Day'

West Marine Presents Check to Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association

June 15, 2008
By: Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor

Over 100 people went sailing on Saturday, June 14, 2008, offered free by Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association (SBCSA).



(Above) Captain, Joe Parker, SBCSA. The boats are owned by the community sailing group and took four people at a time on a short course around the river free of charge. (Photo by Dave Bernreuter)



(Above) Bob Nelb, Executive Director of SBCSA signs up people for the free sail. (Photo by Dave Bernreuter)

The event is held every year, many people signed up for lessons or joined the association as a direct result of their Try Sailing Day experience.

Classes for open sailing begins on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. The class are held on Tuesday evenings on the river at Wenonah Park.

This year's event broke last year's record - According to Bob Nelb, Executive Director of SBCSA. Nelb said, " 108 people signed up for the free sail and for most people it was the first time ever on a sail boat."

Nelb Continued, "It was a perfect day for sailing and I saw nothing but smiles on the budding sailors as they ascended the ramp after their sail."


In the midst of all the commotion on the dock, Terry Monville and Dave Bernreuter from Bay City West Marine store presented Joe Parker with a huge check for $1092!! This is the donation from West Marine Products Inc. as a result of the Community Day held back in May.



(Photo by Dave Bernreuter)

Nelb thanked the many volunteers who helped make this event happened including: Tawny Nelb, Kristin Nelb, Joe Parker, Deb Parker, Brad Parker, Kyle Smith, Bruce Niederer, Jeremy Smith, Brian Donaldson, Bill Bauer, Leo Marchlewski, Gary Sparschu, Steve Eickel, John VanLooy, Bill Herron and many more.

New staff members for SBCSA 2008 include: Brad Parker, Lead Instructor; Karmen Jackson, Instructor/Assistant; and Kyle Smith, Assistant.

On Tuesday June 24, 2008 SBCSA gala season opening event - beach party, Eddycat christening, racing, and just plain sailing and fun.