Sailing school allows beginners to learn the ropes this summer in Saskatchewan

WATCH: A sailing school in Saskatchewan is allowing beginners to learn the ropes this summer. Sierra D'Souza Butts has the story.

Beginners are taking advantage of learning how to sail this summer in Saskatchewan, thanks to the Regina Sailing Club.

After travelling to Tahiti with her husband, Victoria Oppenlander came across a couple of sailors.

“We ran into people sailing around the world. We chatted with them, gave them a ride to their next spot, and it kind of piqued our interests,” she shared.

Upon returning to their home in Saskatchewan, the two felt the wind in their own sails to learn the ropes of the sport themselves.

“When we got home we checked it out, found out there was a learn-to-sail class in the province,” she explained. “It worked out that we were able to sign up for classes this summer so that’s what we’re doing.”

In late July, Oppenlander was one of many people participating in the water-based sport at Last Mountain Lake – joining a one-week sailing course organized by the Saskatchewan Sailing Club’s Association’s Mobile Sailing School.

The organization makes its way across the province visiting different sailing clubs with the goal of introducing the sport to more people.

“We get about 10 students every class,” shared head instructor Rhys Kelm.

“I really like teaching them how to sail right from the barebones beginning. As they get in the boat and they don’t even know how the boat steers at all, then suddenly by the end of it, they’re racing, right? It’s super cool to see that progression from zero to hero almost.”

Out on her first time with her father and brother, 12-year-old Hayley Mickelborough said the activity was her dad’s idea, but she hopped on board as soon as arriving at shore.

“It’s a little scary, it’s fun, it’s interesting. I like it,” she said smiling. “I would recommend this because it’s a big learning experience. It’s just really fun overall.”

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Regina’s local club said the initiative helps encourage people of all ages and skill levels to come out.

“These courses are very important to the growth of our sport. It’s a not a very known sport in Saskatchewan,” explained Adam Fletcher, commodore of Regina Sailing Club.

“Anytime we have the opportunity to get new people involved, exposed, we will take it.”

Fletcher added that people don’t need to have much experience or own their own equipment to be able to join.

“If you’re looking at becoming a member of the Regina Sailing Club, you do not have to own your own boats. We do have member boats available to you,” he explained.

“We do have some little dinghies that you can use if you’re starting out from. We do have cruiser boats for those more experienced sailors.”

People can find out more information on the club’s website.

- With files from Gareth Dillistone