R Rudy a long time sailor introduced Brett Lyons, a younger sailor.
Brett was raised in Frankford and started sailing with Quinte Sailability at age 5. He is 27 now. Brett is on the board of Quinte Sailability. Brett has CP.
Brett said Fletch mentored him, sometimes pushed him. But Brett appreciates it. Sailing has become a large part of his life.
At Quinte Sailability their motto is no limitations on water, so why limit yourself.
He identifies as a sailor. It is athletic and competitive. In their program, they have two special olympians who have transferred to sailing. It is both physical and mental. There are no speed limits.
Brett likes to push and encourage the other sailors from the dock. And he has the voice for it.
Brett thanked Rotary for support over the years. Rotary was there from the start. They try to keep their costs down by applying for student grants etc. Many of their sailors are on fixed incomes.
They had to move from the marina at the Air base a few years ago to Belleville. They still get a lot of volunteer support from the base. People at the base have a lot of skills.
He showed us the Martin 16, an un-tipable boat. Brett has tried. This boat is called 'Rotary Way'.
They have access dingy's as the starting boats affectionately called a bathtub with a sail. Can't sink it. First time sailors often come in with the boat full of water and they are floating in it with their life vest.
They have a tri-morran that to sail it you have to accomplish something, it is used as a reward to the sailors.
Their instructors are great, a big part of their program. Usually college or university students.
Racing is a big part of the program. They race on the bay every Thursday evening to practice. One of his biggest accomplishments was convincing his mother to let him race on Lake Ontario when he was 11 years old.
At a Hamilton Regatta, Brett placed in gold fleet. He is the race team captain. It is exciting for other sailors to beat Brett. It took him some time to get over that. He thinks the progress of the other sailors is great. They start the season at a regatta in Nepean on the river.
The Mobility Cup is a big race. CN Rail will transport their boats for them.
He belongs to Able Sail Network. Quinte Sailability is a small club in small community and they help other groups get started.
Brett is proud to follow in Fletch's footsteps. He has gained confidence. Sailing gives him a competitive outlet.