Sailing
In the fall term, students take advantage of the sun and sea breezes that are the prevailing conditions of early autumn and sail as often as possible. On those occasional sunny days with no wind at all, the students work on canoeing skills. Especially satisfying are the days spent canoeing to a distant beach, getting in a set or two of fitness, and canoeing home again. The students learn technique and safety skills while enjoying the natural beauty of coastal Mill Bay and making friends with the local inhabitants – the harbour seals.
As the fall weather turns, the sailors brave the cold and enjoy some exciting high wind sailing. On rainy, windless days, students train in the powerboats, practicing boat handling maneuvers, person overboard protocol, and docking skills. Students who subsequently earn their powerboat licenses become invaluable to the smooth and safe operation of the Brentwood Regatta in April. When possible, students also train on the school Sea rescue boat, the Hardy.
Mill Bay, in the spring, provides many fine days of great wind and sun. There is nothing quite like those sunny hot days of 12-15 knot winds generated by a wonderful sea breeze. Imagine sailing across Mill Bay with the backdrop of a crystal blue sky and Mount Baker so clear you feel you could reach out and touch it as you sail by. Third term is divided into two groups: Alpha comprises students with experience, and Bravo is composed of those new to the sport. All new sailors work on becoming competent at sailing one-person boats, Bytes and Lasers. Based on their level of experience, Alpha group moves on to learn some advanced sailing skills, such as backwards sailing, starts and racing skills, and rudderless sailing.
In addition to the Brentwood Sailing Championships, students often participate in local regattas.
