Observations from the Siebel Sailors Program – Chicago
How can you not Smile?
By Meredith Dart, Siebel Sailors Coach
The smiling has been contagious out here in Chicago! We have launched our 24 RS Feva XL Boats into Lake Michigan at three locations: Columbia Sailing School, Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation, and Sheridan Shores Sailing School.
As the kids flooded into each of the locations for demo days you could see the excitement on their faces. Some of the kids at all three locations had been sailing before; however, for many it was their first time ever being on Lake Michigan or in a boat. Despite some nerves they all jumped right in and never looked back! The smiles could be seen all over Lake Michigan on demo days.
At the Jackson Park demo day, I met one of their instructors, Myles, who really left an impression. He grew up in Chicago and learned how to sail at Jackson Park Yacht Club. He was able to graduate high school early so that he could attend college and he was one of the first in his family to do so. That alone was quite impressive, but what is even cooler is how sailing made such an impact on his life that he wants to go into the Coast Guard. This winter he will begin his Coast Guard training and bootcamp. At JPYC’s demo day, Myles shared his passion with over 25 sailors and their families. He took kids for a ride out in the Feva and the kids always came in with a huge grin on their faces and wanting more!
How can you not smile back at these faces? I look forward to bringing more smiles to kids all over Chicago through the Siebel Sailors Program!