SLYC Docks Update (Photos)
/Dock work has been underway at the SLYC all winter! Here are some photos of the in-progress work:
SLYC is a member yacht club located on Stony Lake, Ontario Canada
2/6/2024: Introducing our new Head Tennis Pro. and call for SLYC Tennis volunteers for Summer 2024:
https://conta.cc/3w9pxzF
12/15/2023: Happy Holidays and Summer 2024 job news:
https://conta.cc/3Tyu3kC
10/13/2023: Great ways to get involved and give back to the SLYC: https://conta.cc/46rFIFv
9/25/2023: Seeking Assistant Pro, ASLC on short-term rentals, and Property help wanted: https://conta.cc/3EPUg5E
9/6/2023: Calling all members for your help to find our new Head Tennis Pro: https://conta.cc/3LdNNVI
8/22/2023: AGM highlights, online auction, tennis updates and more: https://conta.cc/3YIeOq1
8/10/2023: Reminder on our Dinner Dance this Saturday, plus full listing of 2023 Tennis Tournament champions: https://conta.cc/3DSbBKO
8/2/2023: Golf tourney after-party at Wildfire plus our first SLYC Virtual Auction items are on the block: https://conta.cc/3QnynBZ
8/1/2023: Recapping a busy July for tennis and sailing, and looking ahead to an action-packed August: https://conta.cc/3qdNG5q
7/25/2023: Details on our annual Dinner Dance, AGM, golf tourney sponsorship and program updates: https://conta.cc/44Is7cm
7/18/2023: Everything you need to know for Week 3: https://conta.cc/3rzObap
7/13/2023: Nominations welcome for the SLYC Board of Directors. Find out more: https://conta.cc/43paUTL
7/10/2023: Week 1 updates including date for upcoming strategy session (all welcome) and SLYC golf tournament registration now open:
https://conta.cc/44A4X7m
6/26/2023: Updates from all areas of our organization to help you hit the ground running for Opening Weekend: https://conta.cc/42TBcx6
6/20/2023: Everything you need to know about our 2023 Tennis and Pickleball programs to hit the ground running this summer: https://conta.cc/446r59a
5/13/2023: The courts are open and the countdown to summer 2023 is on! Read our latest updates here: https://conta.cc/3BonpU8
4/28/2023: Reminder that registration for all 2023 Junior Sailing programs opens on Saturday, April 29 at 12:00 PM EDT
https://conta.cc/41L3Alt
4/22/2023: 2023 Membership registration is now open! Purchase your membership today; registration for Sailing, Tennis and Pickleball coming soon
https://conta.cc/3ovb90F
4/14/2023: Getting our new system ready for 2023 Membership registration and announcing our simplified fee structure for 2023.
https://conta.cc/41cMr3A
9/8.2022: Read our summer summary, volunteer for removing docks on 9/18, and get a preview of what we’re working on for next summer! https://conta.cc/3RDwX3A
It’s Day 5 (Friday, August 12) of the SLYC Online Silent Auction! If you like audio books and reading, check out today’s exciting item here! https://conta.cc/3Pz7BCF
It's Day 4 (Thursday, August 11) of the SLYC Online Silent Auction! Check out today's exciting items of a Sunset Sail and Wanakuen 2023! https://conta.cc/3Qjty9F
Today's Day 3 (Wed Aug 10) Online Auction items are Men's Drills Sign-up and Raptors tickets! Exciting details here: https://conta.cc/3PdMndc
We Are The Champions! Week 5 Update (Aug 8, 2022) Update here: https://conta.cc/3zGDenF
The 2022 SLYC Online Auction is now LIVE! Check out the exciting Day 1 (Aug 8, 2022) details here: https://conta.cc/3zAfaCW
Check out our latest weekly update (July 9, 2022) here: https://conta.cc/3nQBT8g
Last minute change to Weekend Races start date: Now July 9, not July 2 as originally posted: https://conta.cc/3bMrN5K
Tennis Schedule Update & Registration Reminder - June 22, 2022: https://conta.cc/3AbWagb
2022 Opening Update - June 20, 2022: https://conta.cc/3xIxecZ
SLYC Storm Update at May 26, 2022: https://conta.cc/3lIRYMg
Check out the latest Tennis Update here! https://conta.cc/3yWQCWf
It’s not too late to offer your time and talents to the new Juniper Island Steering Committee! Details here: https://conta.cc/3Kbr3Tv
Announcing the Juniper Island Steering Committee. Please consider offering your expertise. Details in our latest newsletter by clicking here.
Dock work has been underway at the SLYC all winter! Here are some photos of the in-progress work:
As well as running the races for the 2015 Catboat Regatta, Nate Glas was capturing some great shots from the RC.
Thanks Nate!
See the photo gallery by clicking here:
Thanks to all who participated as well as those who volunteered to make this years event a big success.
Nathan Glas was on the race course both days, documenting the action and snapping a large number of great photos.
You can view the 2015 Cottage Club Regatta photos here:
Thanks Nate!
NOTICE OF STONY LAKE YACHT CLUB
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday August 22, 2015
SLYC Clubhouse
3:00 PM
Agenda will be available on SLYC website prior to meeting
Please advise John Heine of any matters you wish to be included-
heinej@shaw.ca
Presentation of trophies will be made immediately following meeting
John Heine,
Commodore, SLYC
Minutes of 2014 AGM can be found here
http://www.slyc.ca/blog/2014/11/3/slyc-minutes-of-annual-general-meeting-august-30th-2014
Hello Race Team Parents!
We are looking forward to a fantastic racing season and to start working with the athletes as well as yourselves. Fortunately, the racing schedule is fairly evenly spread out this summer and none of the regattas are in conflict with one another. This means we have the luxury of attending all of the regattas in which we hope to participate for both 420s and 29ers, which hasn’t always been a reality in past years. We have included a tentative regatta schedule (below).
As in past years, the team will be participating in Steerer’s and Four Sisters Regattas (two regattas over 4 days at Port Credit). Unlike last year, both 29ers and 420s will be able to participate in the full four days of racing. This is due to 29er Canadians being held slightly later compared to previous summers. The race team will also be participating in CORK in August. The summer of 2015 will be Stony’s turn to host the annual Cottage Club Regatta, and we are planning on having the team participate this year in order to reclaim the title of best cottage club (rightfully so). Another interesting option for the race team this summer would be to attend the Fogh-Boorman Regatta held at Royal Hamilton Yacht Club in early July. We are presenting this regatta as an option because Steerer’s Regatta (which previously has been the first regatta of the summer for the race team) is being held a week later than usual. However, a decision on this regatta will only be made based on the athletes’ and your own interest in attending. We will also possibly participate in a day of racing with Sturgeon Lake (Stony would act as the host), which would provide some friendly competition and more intensive training.
We will be having a parent’s meeting on June 29th at 4:00 pm, during which we will further discuss the scheduling, as well as address other important topics such as transportation, chaperoning, accommodations and any other questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to your feedback and input, and are confident we can make 2015 one of the best yet for the SLYC race team!
Cheers,
Thomas Heine and Brett Somerville
Commodore’s Greeting
2015
The countdown to summer is on! Three short months to the start of programs!
The summer of 2014 was marked by increased demand for sailing and tennis instruction. The record number of Junior Sailors resulted in heavy use of our boats and we continue to replace aging boats with new ones, to ensure safety and competitiveness. We will be adding a new, intermediate double-handed boat, the "FEVA", to our fleet of 29ers, 420’s, Laser 2’s Optis and Echos. We hope this will expose those on the cusp of joining the Race Team to an easy-to-sail but competitive boat. An exciting new program for 2015 is Adult Learn-to-Sail, which will be taught by our Sail Canada certified instructors. SLYC will again host the Cottage Club Regatta this summer, and we anticipate participation by approximately 90 young sailors. The sight of nearly 50 boats competing will be soul stirring!
The SLYC golf tournament has been a crucial source of revenue for new boat purchases for nearly 15 years. David Newton has taken on the role of coordinating this event at a new venue-Wildfire. Volunteers are needed to form a committee which will be charged with organizing this critical event. A special appeal goes out to the parents of our Junior Sailors to step up and help make the tournament a success, either as a committee member and/or as a participant or sponsor. If you are willing to help, please contact me or David (mailto:dcnewton60@gmail.com).
The highlight of last summer’s tennis season was the opening of Court 3 in late July. The third court will ease demand created by strong participation in programs, and allow our members access to more free play. Look for a new plaque courtside to recognize the many donors who made construction of the court possible. We will continue to seek Canadian Head and Assistant Head pros.
Concerns about the deteriorating state of the Yacht Club docks, Clubhouse and the Juniper Island Store prompted discussions between SLYC and ASLC and resulted in a decision to approach infrastructure needs jointly. At the 2014 AGM the Board received a strong mandate to explore means of addressing these concerns. We are therefore proud to be mounting the "Juniper Island Next Generation" fundraising campaign with ASLC. The funds raised will ensure that our Island community, the heart of the Lake, remains a strong focal point for us and for generations to come, allowing continued participation in the many programs and community events that the Island hosts. Information regarding this vital project will be distributed in April and it is essential that the whole community supports this initiative. All contributions will be deeply appreciated.
Our social events continue to bring members together. Main events in 2015 will be the August long weekend Social and the blowout end-of-season Sailors Dinner/Dance which will again feature a lower price for young adult members. Please note that the date of the Dinner has been moved up to August 22, to be more inclusive of membership. We also hope to build on the success of last summer’s inaugural euchre afternoon – watch for the date.
Weekend racing is a long-standing tradition at SLYC. We would love to see sailors of all ages and abilities out on the race course. First gun is usually at 1:30 PM Saturdays and Sundays. Two adult learn-to-race clinics will again be held with the dates to be announced.
In an effort to remain responsive to the needs of our membership, and to guide future strategic direction for the Club, the Board will be distributing a survey in May. Please take 10 minutes to complete it and provide comments. All suggestions will be considered!
We are very proud of the strong ISAF results posted by two of our alumni, Tom Ramshaw and Matthew Ryder, as they compete with the Canadian National team. For up-to-date news, go to http://www.sailing.org/worldcup/results/ and click on “Laser Men”.
On-line registration and simplified membership categories have made access to programs easier for individuals and families. Check out the website http://www.slyc.ca for periodic newsletters keeping all abreast of new programs, important dates and upcoming events. In particular, note that the date of the AGM will be August 22, the same day as the Sailors’ Dinner. For further information or if you have questions, concerns or suggestions, feel free to contact me (heinej@shaw.ca) or any SLYC Director.
See you all out on the Lake!
John Heine
Commodore
Stony Lake Yacht Club
The Stony Lake Tennis Club is accepting applications for the position of Junior Tennis Pro for the 2015 tennis season (July and August).
Job Title: Junior Tennis Pro
The Junior Tennis Pro will work in conjunction with the Head Tennis Pro and the SLYC Tennis Director to provide on court instruction to players of all skill levels. The Junior Tennis Pro is responsible for the youngest players and their overall safety and enjoyment, along with assisting the Head Pro in adult clinics.
Ideal candidates should possess the following qualifications:
• Entry level tennis instructor- OTA Level 1 certificate minimum
• Current First Aid & CPR certification is beneficial
• Reasonably acceptable level of tennis ability
Requirements:
• Must be punctual, reliable and organized with good communication and telephone skills
• Enjoy working with players of all ages (4 – adult) coaching group lessons
• Overall leadership of each group, adults and/or kids
• Assist in development of program plans for each day including coaching goals
• Be able to communicate with parents effectively
• Friendly and energetic with an ability to engage people
• Must be able to motivate and encourage students
• Be available for special events
Compensation/Salary
• Based on experience and qualifications
Please submit all resumes, with references to Dave Bart at dbart@act.bm by February 20, 2015.
STONY LAKE YACHT CLUB
Saturday, August 30, 2014
3 PM
Juniper Island, Stony Lake
______________________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: John Heine
Meeting called to order.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: John Heine
John Heine suggested amendments to agenda to include Other Business: Proxy Voting and Vote to include Past Commodore on Board for another year
Moved by Rick Brooks-Hill and seconded by Scott Wootton. Approved by majority.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND AUGUST 2, 2014 SPECIAL MEETING: John Heine
Moved by Rick Brooks-Hill and seconded by Scott Wootton. Approved by majority.
4. RECOGNITION OF DECEASED MEMBERS: John Heine
John recognized the passing of Dr. Thomson, Rob Thomson’s father
A moment of silence followed.
5. COMMODORE’S REPORT: John Heine
John stated that we had concluded the cost sharing arrangements with ASLC covering past taxes, septic and washroom operating costs. John recognized Alex Parker’s efforts in resolving this matter.
The Board has been working closely with ASLC regarding fundraising for infrastructure on Juniper.
As well, SLYC, in association with ASLC, submitted a letter regarding concerns with the Fraser property development.
6. TREASURER’S REPORT: Alex Parker
Alex reviewed the 2013 financial statements in detail.
He pointed out that for several years capital expenditures have exceeded operating profits and that this was not a sustainable situation. Alex stated that a combination of changes to sailing fees and control over tennis pro costs would help with the 2014 results but that there was more work to be done on this matter.
Motion: To accept the Financial Statements for 2013, as presented.
Moved by Don Walter and seconded by Rob Welsh. Approved by majority.
Discussion followed regarding when the 2014 financial statements could be ready in draft form and available on the SLYC website, with a target date of June 30, 2015,
John Heine thanked Alex for his 3 years of service as Treasurer
The Audit Committee is composed of Rob Thomson, and Don Gillespie (Chair). The Committee reviewed the financial results for 2013 and determined the books balanced and expenditures were appropriate. The committee accepted the statements as presented for the year 2013
.
Motion: To accept the Audit Committee’s Report.
Moved by Caroline Anderson and seconded by Rick Brooks-Hill. Approved by majority.
8. JUNIOR SAILING REPORT: Jeff Somerville
Another great year with 3 weeks where there were over 100 participants in the program
10 of 12 instructors returned from the previous year
Program had a strong race focus
The combined level 1 and 2 program in the morning to allow afternoon tennis was well received
We sent 18 sailors for a day against Sturgeon Lake
All level 4’s went to Cottage Club at Lake of Bays, 22 participants, 3 instructors, 11 boats and 5 vehicles
Spoon races were held with handicapping system
Jeff thanked Janet Virre who was the parent coordinator, Alessandra Tattersall for looking after finances, Bryon Sackville for organizing the Bristol van, Elaine Sackville for organizing Cork accommodation, Cathy Kirk for arranging Cottage Club and James Sackville for his efforts as volunteer instructor.
Thanks as well to Tom Glas and Dave Wortzmann for another successful golf tournament
Jeff pointed out that Matt Ryder and Tom Ramshaw have been nominated to the Canadian laser team.
Bryon Sackville thanked Jeff for all his efforts this year.
9. TENNIS REPORT: Dave Bart
Court 3 built.
Canadian based Pros will be the way of the future.
Challenges were sign up procedures and weather.
Revenues down slightly.
Goals are to refine schedule, ensure free play availability, scheduling to accommodate swimming instruction and develop lake pros.
Bryon Sackville thanked Dave for his efforts
10. GOLF TOURNAMENT REPORT: John Heine
Stronger turnout in 2014 with 60 golfers, expectation is to net $9,300.
John thanked Tom Glas and David Wortzman for their efforts over the last 6 years and reported that we are looking for 2 new coordinators as well as other ideas for fundraising.
11. MEMBERSHIP REPORT: John Heine
John Heine thanked Michele Dundas Macpherson for her tireless efforts.
From 2012 to 2014 membership has increased by 30 members.
Continue making online system easier and training instructors and pros in its use.
Catherine Kirk has agreed to take on the day to day operations role in the coming year.
Drop-ins to lessons will be charged a financial penalty in the coming year.
Jody Scotchmer-Dembroski thanked Michele, Dave Bart and Rick Brooks-Hill for everything they have done over the past year
12. COMMUNICATIONS: John Heine
Erik Reed to assist with communications work next year with a view to transition the following year.
13. SOCIAL: John Heine
John recognized Nick’s efforts and noted that Nick was handing off the role to Andrew Leonard.
John noted that Nick had organized the first ever euchre tournament in July and that we hope it will grow next year
14. WEEKEND RACING: John Ryder
John recognized the starters, Molly Mackenzie and Brett Somerville.
Challenge is to get participation up
2 socials in July will carry on next year
Appeal for trophy repair last year resulted in 10 trophies refurbished over last winter at a cost of just under $4,000. Thanks to:
Rob and Marnie Welsh
Peggy Mackenzie
Don Gillespie
The Ryder family …WHO ELSE?
15. PROPERTY: Scott Wootton
Spring dock damage brought our attention to the fact that some of the docks are on borrowed time.
We are starting a plan of what the best configuration would be and what priorities should be.
Clubhouse: received engineer’s report and have one quote for structural work as recommended by the engineer, $40,000 plus tax for structural work only, there are also other items we would like to see refurbished.
Discussion followed about the priority of repairs. John Heine pointed out that the engineer’s report in November 2013 stated that the structure should be fine for another 2 years. A weight bearing beam on the East/Lake side is in trouble as the crib upon which it rests deteriorates. This is definitely a priority item.
Ron Drake requested that the cost of resolving the issue with the beam be communicated separately in the event that donors may come forward to allow this repair to happen sooner than might be the case if we wait for the Capital Campaign. John Heine to discuss off-line with Ron.
16. JOINT SLYC/ASLC FUNDRAISING: John Heine
On August 2, 2014 a Members open meeting was held regarding the Clubhouse structure and docks.
One estimate for the Clubhouse structural work is $40,000 plus taxes, other items to be addressed are stairs, doors and windows but the docks are the bigger item
The Board has endorsed a combined fundraising plan with ASLC who have a larger need since the engineer determined that the store is not structurally sound
The August 2 meeting involved an informal vote of those present regarding agreement that we should move forward with collaborative fundraising program to address our capital needs, 28 members were present and they voted unanimously that this should proceed
Funding available at present SLYC, $50,000, ASLC, $50,000, possibly $100,000 from Stony Lake Heritage Foundation, an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for $100,000 underway.
Discussion followed regarding tax receipts for Clubhouse (SLHF), sailing docks (Sail Canada), Tennis docks (Tennis Canada). It was noted that commercial part of store would likely not be eligible for tax receipts.
Motion: Approval for SLYC Board to decide capital priorities, determine costs and to work on a collaborative fundraising initiative with ASLC and tax receipting bodies
Moved by Rick Brooks-Hill and seconded by Rob Welsh. Approved unanimously.
John reported that a fundraising committee had been nearly finalized.
17. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Rob Thomson
The nominating committee is comprised of the following members:
Rob Thomson (Chair)
Jeff Somerville (member of the board)
Rick Brooks-Hill (non board member)
John Heine (non-voting)
The following members are serving a second year of their 2-year term:
{C}· Annie Bunting ASLC liaison
The following to be elected for a 2-year term:
The following to be re-elected for a 1-year term:
{C}· Don Gillespie Secretary
Motion: That nominations cease and to approve the Nominations for the 2013-2014 Board of Directors, as presented.
Moved by Don Walter and seconded by Gary Durno. Approved by majority.
18. ACTS AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Heine
Motion: To approve the acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors for the past year.
Moved by Don Walter and seconded by Bryon Sackville. Approved by majority.
Don Walter thanks John and Board for their efforts.
Jeff Somerville thanks John Heine for his efforts and advancement in relations with ASLC.
19. OTHER MATTERS: John Heine
{C}a) {C}Proxy Voting
John stated that implementation of proxy voting would require a change to our by-laws
Rob Welsh made the point that people should come to the meetings and that he was not in favour of proxy voting.
After discussion John Heine stated that the Board would continue to consider the pros and cons of allowing proxy voting.
{C}b) It was noted that in order for the Past Commodore to continue to serve on the Board a motion was required:
Motion: Our By-Laws provide that a Commodore may serve up to 10 consecutive years on the Board of Directors. To assist with the orderly transition of accountabilities, the committee recommends that this meeting of members approve that Rob Thomson is permitted to continue for one year as Past Commodore.
Moved by Louise Sugar, seconded by Alex Parker. Approved by majority
20. Motion to adjourn:
Moved by Rick Brooks-Hill and seconded by Don Walter, Approved by all.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ADJOURNED.
STONY LAKE YACHT CLUB
Minutes of Special Meeting
Saturday August 2, 2014
Juniper Island, Stony Lake
1. CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: John Heine
Meeting called to order.
2. PURPOSE OF MEETING: John Heine
As outlined in the Notice of Meeting the purpose of the meeting is to discuss state
of deterioration of SLYC building and docks and courses of action.
John stated that there were significant short and long term needs for
infrastructure upkeep.
As well, the ASLC is facing significant issues regarding the store.
An engineering assessment has been completed for both the store and the Yacht
Club buildings and included 2 pages of recommendations. The Study stated that
the Yacht Club building was safe for use this year and next year, however, for the
store there were more significant issues. Discussions over this past winter
between our Board and the ASLC Board have led to both Boards approving the
concept of a joint fundraising campaign.
In the spring of 2014 the Yacht Club docks were damaged, thanks to Scott
Wootton and Jeff Somerville and their efforts this spring the docks are presently
usable but they are not in good repair from a long term standpoint.
Scott spoke to the current state of the docks and building. Scott stated that the
building has a few foundation issues and issues with rafters and structure which
were addressed in the engineer’s report. Grant Shewen has put in a quote of
For background information, our understanding is that to rebuild the store is in
the range of $350,000 to $400,000, the ASLC is deliberating on its course of action.
Today a quote was received from R&J Machine $280,000 to $330,000 for dock
As such, the combined needs of ASLC and SLYC may be approximately
John summarized available funds as SLYC $50,000, ASLC $50,000, then a
combination of the fundraising campaign and Heritage Foundation for the rest.
Tax receipting is somewhat complicated with Heritage Foundation likely able to
receipt for the Yacht Club Building and parts of the store, with Sail Canada able
to receipt for docks to be used in the junior sailing program, for other docks there
is some further clarification required.
John Heine stated that the store has to get done and that leads to the question as to
whether SLYC wait a couple of years or enters into a joint campaign.
Don Walter asked what the approximate fundraising ask would be for the SLYC
portion to go ahead now.
John stated the goal would be $300,000. Further, John stated that the building
repairs should be sufficient for the long term.
John anticipates the Fundraising Committee would comprise approximately six
Trillium funding will also be considered.
A discussion followed regarding the Store, Cindy Sibold and David Hahn were
present representing ASLC and stated that feedback received indicated a desire to
maintain the outside appearance of any rebuilding.
Bill Biggar queried what the timeline would be for the Store.
Cindy responded that for the July 2015 AGM of ASLC design to be available
with construction starting in September 2015 and occupancy in June 2016
John Heine stated that SLYC timeline was to obtain approval for joint fundraising
in August, 2014, with the Fundraising Committee meeting over the winter to
establish strategy with fundraising over the summer of 2015.
ASLC has approved $25,000 for design and engineering.
John Heine, Jeff Somerville and Scott Wootton then discussed the state of the
docks and the need for 45 boats and 100 sailors to be accommodated.
Don Walter agreed with a statement made by John Heine that barring natural
disaster this ask will provide for at least 10 years of service.
Brian Sackville suggested that attention should be paid to windows and doors in
the Yacht Club building when this work was being done.
Discussion followed regarding members voting at this meeting regarding the
proposal to go forward with a joint fundraising campaign for the aforementioned
requirements. It was concluded that members present be polled for their opinion
on a proposal, but that a formal vote be deferred to the AGM at the end of the
Don Walter made a motion that a recommendation from this meeting regarding
joint fundraising with the ASLC and the Heritage Foundation regarding the docks
and Yacht Club building be presented at the Annual General Meeting of SLYC
and that tax receipting possibilities with the Heritage Foundation and Sail Canada
Rob Welsh seconded the motion.
28 members present voted in favour of the motion, there were none opposed.
The meeting adjourned.
Dear Stony Lakers,
I have heard that this past winter was an extremely cold and unreasonably long one, and I am sure that everyone is counting down the days till a summer spent on Stony Lake. Fortunately I have been able to avoid most of the cold weather this year while training and competing – in the Laser Class - in warmer climates. For me January was spent in Miami preparing for my first peak event of the year, the ISAF Sailing World Cup: Miami. This event is not only the largest North American event on the calendar it is also the final qualifier for the Canadian National Team. This year I managed to post one of my best regatta results to date with a 22nd overall finish. The result was good enough to qualify for a spot Canadian National Team for the first time in my career! There are now two Stony Lake boats on the team with Tom Ramshaw qualifying for what is now his third year on the team.
After the winter season in Florida it was time to look towards the European Spring season. In the past I have competed in only one or two European events each year, largely as a result of a limited budget. This year with my new funding from the national team I planned to spend significantly more time in Europe and compete in five different events. I arrived in Europe, in Palma, Spain, on March 23rd. My first two events were the ISAF Sailing World Cup events in Palma and Hyeres, France. They were both very well attended events with fleets of 160 and 130 boats respectively and many of the top laser sailors in the world in attendance. In both events I struggled to make the adjustment to the larger more competitive fleets, compared to North American racing, and I finished in the 79th and 91st respectively. Tom managed two solid results making Gold Fleet in each event; the fleets are split in half midway through each event. In Hyeres Tom managed a particularly respectable result with a 35th overall finish.
The goal of my Europe trip was to gain experience and with that in mind I headed to my next event, the Garda Trentino Olympic Week held on Lake Garda, Italy. The event in Garda was a great learning experience and I felt that I made some significant improvements. The regatta finished yesterday, May 10th, and I ended up in 38thoverall after qualifying for Gold Fleet for my first time in Europe.
Next up I head to Medemblik, The Netherlands to compete in the Delta Lloyd Regatta. This will be my fourth year in a row competing in this event. It will be a slightly smaller fleet compared to the other events but I expect that it will still be very competitive at the top end of the fleet. After Holland I travel to Split, Croatia for the final event of my European season, the European Championship. At the Europeans there will once again be a large, world class fleet and it will be a good measuring stick for me to see how I’ve improved since the beginning of this trip. For anyone who would like to follow along with my results for the remainder of my Europe trip and beyond check out my campaign website at www.matthewrydersailing.com and for more frequent updates you can like my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/matthewrydersailing.
I’d also like to announce a fundraising event that Tom and I are planning for this summer on Stony. We are working with Nick Strzalkowski to add a silent auction and other activities to the social on August 3rd. We hope to see lots of people that night to catch up, talk about sailing and help Tom and I raise money to attend the World Championships in Santander, Spain in September. If anyone would like to donate anything to the silent auction or has any ideas for donations please contact me at itsryder10@gmail.com. Any and all donations and ideas are greatly appreciated as every small contribution goes a long way to helping us achieve our goals and to represent SLYC on the international stage.
Thanks for reading and I hope to see everyone this summer, at the social on August 3rd if not before. Regards,
Matthew Ryder
SLYC is a member yacht club located on Stony Lake, Ontario Canada