From Jr. Sailors to Olympic Sportsman of the Year
The Grenada Sailing Association held its first meeting for the New Year last week Tuesday. There was a great turnout of members who meet at de Big Fish in True Blue.On the agenda members discussed junior sailors, international events, work boat competitions and a local Grenadian as candidate for Olympic Sportsman of the Year!
Reports were submitted by a few members actively involved in the recently held LaSource Grenada Sailing Festival; a very successful event. Concern was raised about the workboat event racing rules and the committee promised to work with the competitors to produce a simple rule book for future events.
The Association is currently having the junior sailing dinghies repaired at Grenada Yacht Club so the weekend sailing club training program can resume. A dinghy instructor will be engaged to train a team of youngsters to attend the 2005 Optimist North American Championship at the end of June in Tobago.This international event at the neighboring island is important for the junior sailors, and sponsors to support this effort are being sought by GSA.
The executive board was pleased to report that a positive meeting was held with US Aid officials who have pledged support for training programs in the yachting industry and sports sector.Weekend seminars will be held with the organizers of work boat events to help with regatta management, sponsorship strategies and development. This is felt to be a great opportunity for the community events held regularly in the tri-islands.
The recent nomination for “Sportsman of the Year” to the Olympic Association of Dr Robbie Yearwood met with approval of all members. Dr Yearwood began sailing at a young age in Grenada and was given his first Optimist dinghy at the age of eight. He spent many hours on the south coast practicing. He went onto sail Sunfish and Mirror dinghies before moving to Barbados where he competed in the “inter school” championships.His first great win was in 1974 when he placed first overall in the Mirror class in Trinidad.
Dr Yearwood continued to develop his skills while racing offshore throughout the Caribbean region.He moved back to Grenada ten years ago and has represented Grenada at many oversea events since then. We are very proud that he placed 2nd in the Laser Radial class in 2004 at the Schoelcher International Dinghy Championship in Martinique when competing against the worlds top sailors.
As Grenada moves ahead into a this new year the importance of sailing, training and water sport opportunities remains at the top of the agenda for the very proactive Grenada Sailing Association.
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