Business Description
This business is a sailing school for youth and adults in the community located in the heart of Meaford at the harbour. The Georgian Bay Sailing Association established Sail Georgian Bay in 2001 as a non-profit organization. Their vision was to add another recreational summer activity in the area that those in Meaford and the surrounding communities could be involved in to create unforgettable memories in the community. The school is run by a volunteer board of directors with a total of 8 members that are responsible for overseeing the functions and decision making of the school itself. The Town of Meaford also supports the operations of the school. Although many individuals that attend Sail Georgian Bay are from the Blue Mountains community, the school has also seen people from across the globe. For example, individuals from Europe, United States, and Alberta have travelled to the area and attended the school. The sailing school itself runs for a total of 8 weeks in the summer months. Currently this sailing school offers the CANSail set curriculum of levels 1 to 4.
What Customers Love About Sail Georgian Bay
All of the sailing students who have attended Sail Georgian Bay have reported not only having an incredible time on the water and at the lessons themselves, but also the experience of acquiring many new skills that have caused them to grow even in other aspects of their life. Each individual sets unique goals that they want to achieve during the duration of their attendance, and with the help of the wonderful instructors and their own will and determination they succeed and excel in the program. Children in particular are thrilled to receive the opportunity to learn new things and be the master of their own domain. The dedication and passion of the instructors themselves is consistently shown in their ability to teach and create unforgettable memories for all of the students. The small town atmosphere, community support, and beautiful location make for memories that will last a lifetime.
Future Plans For the Business
The volunteer board of directors is always looking for new ways to improve the sailing school and keep customers satisfied in all aspects, while also exceeding expectations on a regular basis. Currently the board is exploring options with the CANSail curriculum to offer additional levels.
Unique Facts About the Business
Although most people in the community are under the impression that this school is exclusively for children, all ages and levels are encouraged and welcome to participate! The instructors themselves put forth an extensive amount of time and dedication to excel in their position. Firstly, they have to volunteer as a junior instructor for the duration of the school, and then get certified through educational means (CANSail) to be able to teach. Teaching at this sailing school requires a higher level of passion and patience to succeed. Sail Georgian Bay is an excellent opportunity for students as a summer employment position. Another heart-warming fact about this business is their receipt of private donations that can be used to subsidize individuals who may not typically be able to afford participation in the program.
Why the Business Chose Meaford As the Location
The Meaford Harbour is the perfect location for the sailing camp due to the fact that its layout can be catered to all ages and skill levels. One section of the harbour has an inner cove that is protected and ideal for children and beginners so they do not face the strong winds from the bay. Other more experienced sailors are a short distance away from the outside of the cove and can face more challenging conditions. The other major advantage to being in Meaford is the warm sense of community and support that is provided to all the local businesses. In 2015 they raised funds to build a facility that would house their boats and provide a place for their students to be together on unfavourable weather days. Prior to this facility being built, they were operating out of three garden sheds that were not adequate for all of their needs. Sail Georgian Bay put the word out in the community and was able to raise the funds they needed to make their dream become a reality.
Royal LePage Locations North also jumped on board and provided a generous donation of $5000. Rainmaker Homes designed the building, coordinated the project and donated all of the labour needs. With donations from local yacht clubs, local businesses and service clubs, and parents of students, Sail Georgian Bay raised just enough money to buy all of the materials needed. Sail Georgian Bay reiterates the fact that they could not have made this happen without the support of the community, and is especially grateful for Location North’s contribution to the project. The impact this new facility had on their day-to-day operations was immediate and measurable. The students are now able to gather together to bond over lunch and have a dry place to be when inclement weather strikes. In the winter, the school is now able to store all of the boats inside, which saves them the storage fees they originally had to pay and the labour and time to transport the boats to a storage facility.
For more information about this wonderful sailing school please visit: http://www.sailgeorgianbay.ca/