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The Windsong, the Witch & the Optimists

The renaissance of sailing in Whistler
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By Steve Andrews

Despite losing the sun about an hour ago, we still had at least a couple more hours before the sky got dark. The sun's nightly journey from behind the peak of Sproatt to the distant horizon was in full swing. Judging by the colour changing in the wispy horsetail clouds, we would soon be seeing one of the real treats of Whistler — the late evening summer alpenglow.

We were coasting toward the anchorage on the north end of Alta Lake when the evening wind picked up out of nowhere. Our captain, Tory Saarinen, made the call to keep sailing. He asked us if we'd mind, but in reality our opinion didn't matter, nor should it — it's his boat, and his call alone for when to drop the sail and put the anchor away for the day.

As we began to make a southbound tack toward the other end of the lake, a small 15' sail rose on the beach. "Looks like Dad's going out windsurfing... again," Tory said as he pulled the jib out a little further. Like fresh snow in the winter is to snow sliders, good wind and light is the heartbeat of the water riders.

Tory decided to make his way toward the beach so that we could get some close-up photos of his dad ripping by on his windsurfer. As he careens toward us, a distinct "Karooo ca chooooo" belts out over the water. It is the familiar call of the Finn "Finnster" Saarinen, Whistler legend and Tory's father, letting everyone in earshot know the level of his contentment. By the speed at which he was approaching, all could observe the height of his elation.

Finn sped toward us at full sail, the eternal performer knowing that all eyes were on him, anticipating his next move. He got within whispering distance of the boat, letting out a fully energized "Yaarrr!" At that instant we heard a giant "thwack" and a splash, and Finn was submerged.

"It was like a black hole as soon as I got behind your sail! I guess I'm finally getting karma from the wind I stole from all those windsurfers over the years while sailing The Witch," says Finn clambering back up on his board. "Now get the old man a beverage, Yarr!"

The boat we are sailing on is the Windsong, a 20-foot, 1974 Sloop that Tory and his sister purchased about a month ago. She flies two flags — The Maple Leaf and the Jolly Roger — an ideal representation for life in Whistler. Like all boats, this one has a particular personality — low profile, relaxed, and hospitable. She is a welcome addition to Alta Lake's fleet, allowing for the next generation of sailors to revel in the excitement that the afternoon Keg winds can bring.

Sailing in Whistler has a long storied history that is as old as the Rainbow Lodge. The ability to move across the valley with nothing more than some wind and a bit of steering and sail control has given many endless delight. For decades the tourist focus here has been the mountains and their gravity-fuelled pursuits. But sailing provides a much different thrill, and those thrills vary with each vessel. Some crave speed and can find it on a windsurfer or Hobie Cat, others want to cruise with their friends and co-create memories, such as those found upon the Windsong, The Witch or Hakuna Matata.

Everyone shares a common love of the magic that happens when you combine wind, water, a sail, and a rudder. It's the delight that comes from having an unplanned destination — if you see something that sparks interest; you adjust your course and eventually get there. However, everything in between is the real delight. It's the songs we sing, the challenges we put to each other, and the endless laughter that echoes across the water from another great day.

Currently we are in the midst of a new wave of sailing enthusiasm in the valley. Just a few years ago, a windy day on the lake might have had half a dozen boats. This summer, however, has been witness to a new fleet of tiny sailboats known as Optimists. These sleek, nimble boats are suited for beginners to the thrill of moving across water without the sound or smell of a motor. The boats belong to the Whistler Sailing Club, a new nonprofit club whose beginnings are just another story that took place on the water.

François Hebert is a mild-mannered Montreal transplant who moved to Whistler seven years ago for the skiing. Like the long list of similar stories before him, he fell in love with summer and decided to stay here year-round. As a level 4-ski instructor and heli-ski guide, the seasonality of his jobs created a challenge to living in Whistler full-time.

Back in Montreal, Hebert had been a coach for the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club for 10 years. Sailing is in his blood, and his passion is evident any time you see him out on the water, calling out and waving with full enthusiasm.

One day while cruising Alta Lake with some friends, he had a chance encounter with Patrick McCurdy — long time Whistler local and avid sailor. McCurdy had recently re-formed the Whistler Sailing Club in an effort to revitalize the sailing community and to foster the next generation of sailors. Through their brief conversation, Hebert began formulating ideas to create a sailing program that mirrors programs in larger cities, with regular races, instruction, and boats available to take out when conditions were ideal. But being a nonprofit startup club, the resources were not available to get a proper community sailing program in place.

A year went by, and in the spring of 2011 Hebert picked up the phone to revisit the idea with McCurdy. They decided to make a go out of it. Through Hebert's contacts in the sailing community, including the BC Sailing Association, they were able to secure several boats and spread the word that the upstart sailing club would offer instruction and friendly races. Despite a miniscule budget and very little promotion, the first summer was considered a success.

This year, Hebert has summer employment that is in line with his passions of sailing and coaching, and Whistler has a sailing club that not only fosters a new generation of local sailors, but also generates room nights.

"Alta is a good, windy little lake", Hebert mentions as we discuss why people should come here to learn how to sail. "Combine that with warm water, and no tides or significant swell, and you have a great environment for learning the sport safely."

Judging by the number of small sails on the lake, it's obvious that many agree. This summer has a full schedule of regattas, instructional camps, and a weekly race on Wednesday nights that has seen a consistent turnout of local sailors looking to socialize and have a friendly competition.

McCurdy's involvement in the community has resulted in countless groups and individuals pitching in to ensure the club has the necessary resources for success.

Volunteering countless hours to the project, his efforts to lobby community support have yielded overwhelming support. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) contributed $7,500 in Community Enrichment Program grants to help fund the "Discover Sailing" initiative to bring school age kids out to try sailing. The RMOW has also offered space at Cypress Point to give the club a home base. The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has also made considerable donations to help expand the club's fleet, which now includes 10 optimist boats.

With momentum generated this summer through the camps, races, and and expanded fleet, it is safe to say that Alta Lake will be peppered with sails for the foreseeable future. Through the collective efforts of individuals like Hebert and McCurdy, their energy to train the next generation of freshwater sailors has breathed life into a sailing culture that was all but forgotten.

Without any official help from a marketing department or social media campaigns, people are starting to come to Whistler once again for the pure joy of being on the water.

By sailing you'll be sharing in a history that includes Whistler founder Myrtle Phillip, the Finnster, and a whole new crop of young sailors that will be creating their own stories for years to come.



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