News

What a remarkable spring we’re having in the Northland! An early spring gets me dreaming about warm summer breezes and the thrill of a wind driven hull thrashing through the waters of the big lake!

So, what are your dreams for the coming summer?

Are you looking for fun things to do outdoors? Do you want to improve your on-the-water skills? … Learn how to get that last tenth of a knot on an upwind course? … Have fun socializing with other sailors on the bay and lake? … Learn how to dock and moor a boat?

It was recently reported that American teenagers spend over 7 hours each day (Yes–seven hours!) plugged into entertainment media. Are we losing our desire to even be outdoors? I remarked recently to my family that not many years ago, it was normal to see lots of kids outdoors playing games, having fun. There aren’t as many kids in the neighborhood today. but two or three dozen kids still live here. On a nice summer day it’s rare to see any of them outdoors. Where did they all go? Are they all indoors plugged into their electronic media?

We’ve reached a point where we need to consciously plan our outdoor activities. Without plans, schedules, calendar dates, we can all slip into staying indoors and not ever experience the wonder and fun awaiting us in the great out of doors.

DSSA this summer is adopting a program entitled “No Child Left Inside”. We will celebrate “No Child Left Inside” day on June 20. This is a great day, right after Grandma’s Marathon, to welcome the summer by visiting the DSSA pier and going for a sail.

Plan, schedule, set a goal…..
So, what is your goal this summer? ...to sail twice a week? ...to learn to sail or to learn better sailing skills? To learn how to race? ...to join a weekly race series? ...to get to know other people who enjoy doing things outdoors?

Check out all the fun activities on our web site. Reserve a place in one of our many classes. Let us know if there is a skill you’d like to learn but don’t see offered. Make plans to go sailing once or twice a week!

Maybe we need a “No Adult Left Inside” program…

Wishing you all fair breezes and calm seas,
     Jim Sharrow
     President