Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Cultus Lake Sailing Club prides itself on being stronger than ever.
The sailing club was started back in 1999 by Christine Masson, Mark Isaak, Brian Smyth and Bill and Kirstie Glasgow, proudly boasting a successful tenure since its inception.
The club has certainly had its ups and downs though.
Co-founder Smyth also served as a Columbia Valley volunteer firefighter and passed away during a call back in 2015. He had been renovating an Enterprise-class boat which he left to the club following his passing.
The sailing club has undeniably become an integral part of the Cultus Lake community over the past 25 years, leasing land with beach access beside the group campsite at Cultus Lake Park.
For many years now, decorated sailboats have joined the lineup of floats during the Cultus Lake Day Parade.
As of today, the club has grown to over 20 members with a fleet of 17 boats of various models. Members can use any of the club’s boats, or their own, with many travelling to compete in regattas all across the province. Youth members of the club even had the chance to compete in the 2022 B.C. Summer Games held in Prince George.
Co-founder Masson, who currently serves as the club’s training coordinator and head sailing instructor, learned to sail at the UBC Sailing Club where she’ll often take the club’s youth back to compete in regattas all around the area.
The youth summer programs are informed by Sail Canada’s CANSail program. Small groups of up to 12 campers allow Masson to adapt the content to the needs of the young sailors.
“They start out sailing together on the boats,” said Masson. “But by their second year, they want to go out solo.”
The club continues to welcome new members through their various camps and club races. Their level one and two camps run from July 8-12, July 22-26 and Aug. 19-23. They also welcome new members to join their Tuesday evening club races as well as their Sunday social sails and races. More information about camp registration and club membership can be found on their website.
