Congratulations To Our Newest Certified Staff
Members:
Windsong is the only school that requires an 3-6 month instructor
apprenticeship for new staff candidates. The apprenticeship is a demanding
period in which experienced sailors must learn and master instructional,
coaching and time management techniques that ensure their efforts to
develop our students meet the quality standards our customers have grown
to expect. Depending on everyone's availability, business and
personal schedules, each candidate progresses at different rates and
complete their apprenticeships at varying times. As a part of their
apprenticeship, each candidate must attend and complete an A. S. A.
instructor evaluation and certification clinic, which is quite demanding
in stamina, abilities and knowledge as a sailor and instructor.
The
certification clinic consist of several 8 hour days of drills and exams to
develop and assess each candidates sailing knowledge and ability to coach
and train others. Although the clinics require a great deal of
research, study and practice before hand, it also provides an opportunity
to share ideas and techniques as professional trainers. This
training requires the investment of substantial time and financial
resources to complete and reflects everyone's commitment to their desire
to become a Windsong instructor. Recently two candidates have
earned the right to attend the instructor certification clinic and were
successful in earning their A. S. A. Instructor Certifications.
Windsong candidates have a history of finishing at the top of their
class at the clinics and were rated superlatively as compared to
candidates from other competing schools. These high ratings continue
to ensure that our students benefit from the finest collection of
professional instructors who are the product of a thorough formal
selection, evaluation and training program which is unique to
Windsong. Please take a moment to congratulate the two following
candidates the next time you work with them as they have earned the right
and distinction of becoming American Sailing Association's newest
certified instructors.
Jim
Chambers
Tom Broome
Additionally the following staff completed the rigorous 5-day
Colgate 26 Performance Sailing and Tuning program conducted in the bay and
offshore near Captiva Island this summer.
Tom
Broome
Sterling Chavis
Patti
Price |
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T-SHIRTS
ARE IN !!!!!!!
The first opportunity to buy one
will
be this Saturday's Social 6-9 pm.
Be the first to get your 2004 TEAM WINDSONG T-Shirt!
Only three dozen
have been ordered and we sorta feel these will go FAST
so don't delay,
buy TODAY!
The white T-Shirts have the prestigious
Windsong logo on the front
and the full color artwork on the back.
a $15 donation is requested.
All proceeds go toward equipment and
other
special subsidized programs such as the monthly
socials. |
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Windsong HATS
ARE IN TOO!!!!!!!
These superior quality white
embroidered caps will be collectors items. Not only are they
extremely comfortable and easily adjustable, they are breathable and offer
an extended bill to protect your face from the sun. A good sailing
hat IS hard to find and these will fit the bill for a number of seasons.
A $15 donation is
requested.
All proceeds go
toward equipment and other
special subsidized programs such as the
monthly socials. |
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The
July monthly social was a real
delight. The Storm Sailing video and subsequent lengthy discussion
was a value to everyone. There was new and controversial material
presented that is still debated in the industry but much evidence exists
to substantiate the merit of deployment. Thousands of miles of ocean
seaway practical application have proven that some prevalent tactics for
safe and comfortable passage making likely are based upon invalid
assumptions or technology that has evolved to the point that new
approaches are required.
If you weren't there, you missed yet another excellent
presentation and social highlight of the summer punctuated once again by
shrimp and other excellent refreshments contributed by those who
attended. |
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HOW SAFE IS YOUR BOAT?
Once again,
Windsong is busy conducting U.S. Coast Guard approved and U.S. Sail and
Power Squadron sponsored Vessel Safety Examinations (VSE) at Aqualand
Marina and Holiday Marinas. Safety inspections are free and cover
all the Federal and State requirements for your size vessel (Sail or
Power) in addition to general overall suggestions appropriate for safe and
informed boating. We do not issue citations nor report you to
authorities for noncompliance. Our intent is to inspect and educate.
So far this season, we've inspected brand new boats that have failed, and
have surprised seasoned boaters who learned that they were merely one DNR
(law enforcing agency on Lanier) stop away from a hefty fine for
violations. One boat in particular had an inoperably crushed
ventilation hose and another had cracks in the refueling hose leading to
the fuel tank. If you or someone you know owns a boat, call us and we'll
make arrangements for you to receive a courtesy inspection.
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WARNING To Returning Students:
If you don't already have outings booked thru
December you should seriously consider doing so
NOW.
We
presently have the following sailing openings.
|
Date |
Time |
Spots
Available |
|
8/15 |
11:00 |
1 |
|
8/21 |
3:00 |
1 |
|
8/25 |
6:30 |
3 |
|
8/28 |
11:00 |
1 |
|
|
1:00 |
1 |
| |
3:00 |
1 |
We
presently have the following ground school openings.
- Advanced Coastal Cruising (8/16 &
8/18)
- Marine
Meteorology
(8/29 &
7/22)
- Basic Keelboat
Sailing
(8/30 & 9/01)
FOR
SALE! GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? Try Our New
For Sale Site Free.
Although we intend to limit items for
sale to our student members, we will consider items submitted from the general
public as well. We'll play it by ear to see how it goes. Just
remember to let us know when the item is sold so that we can keep our web site
current. So here's the link Items For
Sale.
| SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH SOMEONE NEW! |
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Ughm, don't get ahead of me here. Pay
attention! During July, if you bring a paying guest who has never
sailed with Windsong before, you get to sail for half price! Bring two or three
folks and you might qualify for your own private outing at half
price!
The love for sailing is something to be shared.
Remember, friends don't let their friends go through life without
experiencing sailing!
Invite someone to join you today and you benefit,
too! |
GOT A
BUSINESS YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE?
As a suggestion from one
of our students, we're starting a Student Business Links
web page. If you work for,
own or are a principle in a business or have a
hobby that you'd like to include on this free links page, send us
your web address and a brief description about your business and services. Any
special discounts extended to fellow students should be mentioned as well.
Students would certainly like to do business with one,
so let us know about your business, service or hobby.
| PLEASE,
REACH OUT AND TOUCH US,
We're listening!! |
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Many times students'
suggestions are implemented on the spot! We pride ourselves in our
customer service and attention to the needs of our students. If you have
thoughts or ideas, drop us a line or give us a call. All things are
possible; you simply need to ask.
Thanks!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all
our students for their loyal support through the season(s) and encourage
everyone to bring one new friend along each year as you sail. As we grow
and expand our operation, we want to make our products and services available to
all who may be interested, but some one has to make the introduction.
Share the love of your sport with those who may be interested in our unique
collection of programs. You'll be glad you did and so will they!
