Young Sailors...and Great Parents

The local sailing club to which we belong is the site of an annual Youth Regatta that includes youth sailing clubs from all over the Pacific Northwest. The regatta is hosted by a Portland club but held at our club because...well, because it's a nice club with a nice lake and good camping facilities.

These kids are fun to watch.They have such enthusiasm and are so good.They aren't afraid to jump on a boat they've never sailed before and that has unfamiliar rigging.After a few instructions from the boat owners and within a few minutes of leaving the dock, they're heeled over and flying across the water; laughing and grinning from ear-to-ear.It's pretty fun to watch.

There were over 70 boats that participated in the regatta this year; everything from very small, single-handed boats to 3-person crews on Lightnings. We watched this pair of Lightnings approach the finish line from our house deck before driving down to the club...that was fun! This picture was also taken from our deck.

I admire these kids. They are polite, they are attentive and they are having fun.

I also admire their parents. They encourage their kids to participate in an activity they love.

And they're sitting right there ... all day ... cheering on their kids, taking pictures, and waiting to congratulate them on a fine race. No matter where in the pack they finished.