LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Sailing is great summer fun for grandchildren

Editor, Since I moved to Whidbey Island and began commuting to Boeing every day, I have met many interesting people as I travel Island Transit. Conversations change from day to day. They could be about sports, upcoming plans, or whatever the big news of the day is. Many a time, these conversations have determined what I am going to have for dinner.

August 8, 2014 6:34 pm

Editor,

Since I moved to Whidbey Island and began commuting to Boeing every day, I have met many interesting people as I travel Island Transit. Conversations change from day to day. They could be about sports, upcoming plans, or whatever the big news of the day is. Many a time, these conversations have determined what I am going to have for dinner.

In March, the subject for me was how I was going to entertain my grandkids when they came to visit. I was lucky to be seated next to a gentleman who told me about a sailing camp his boys had attended and how much they had enjoyed it. I have no idea what his name is, but I will be grateful to him forever for sharing that information.

After talking with him, I couldn’t wait to find out more. I came home and Googled “South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District” looking for more information about the sailing camps. Sure enough, there it was — South Whidbey Yacht Club sailing classes offered through the Parks & Recreation District. And, as they say, the rest is history.

So, after much coordination, our granddaughter from Wyoming, one grandson from Arlington, and two grandsons from Vancouver came to spend a week in July on Whidbey Island learning to sail. Their ages range from 10 to 12, which is perfect.

It was a week they will remember forever. Not only did they learn to sail. We all had an opportunity to get to know each other better. They learned to conquer their fears, follow directions and have fun.

On Monday, there was a swimming test in the morning (something they all had to prepare for ahead of time). By the end of the day, they already were out on the water. By Friday, they were whipping around in their El Toro boats like they had been doing it forever.

I can’t say enough about what a great program this is. There is more than one session, but the groups are small (which is great) and fill up fast.

So, if you are looking for something for your kids or grandkids to do next summer that they will never forget, you should look into South Whidbey Yacht Club sailing camps.

MARY JOBE

Greenbank