BOOM program sets sail Tuesday

It’s time to lower the BOOM once again on youth sailing in the area.
The Rendezvous Yacht Club, in co-operation with the Town of Fort Frances, is hosting the Best-Ever Ontario Optimist Mobile (BOOM) program July 1-4 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sand Bay for children aged six-16.
“We’ve only got three registered so far, but we’ve got room for 16,” said club spokesman Eric Rude. “It’s a terrific way to develop sailing skills and boat safety for young people, and it’s lots of fun.”
The program is run by the Ontario Sailing Association, with instructors on hand possessing full Canadian Yachting Association certification. Small two-person dinghies and Escape Mango vessels will be used in the program.
Lifejackets and personal flotation devices, along with a coach’s boat and teaching aids, also are provided.
Since it began in the 1980s, the BOOM program has used games and other entertaining activities to introduce more than 10,000 young people to the sport of sailing.
“What they’re going to learn through this program is going to last these kids their whole lives,” said Rude. “We want them to know how to sail even in the windiest conditions.
“You always have to respect Mother Nature.”
The registration cost is $140 for the first child from each family, and $130 for each additional one from the same family.
Contact the Memorial Sports Centre (274-4561) or Rude (274-6097) for more information.