North Sydney, NS:  A group of young sailors were capsized Thursday as a result of freak wind that saw three boats overturned.  The group was undergoing race training, when an unexpected wind came up that overturned three 420 sailing boats.  Eight youth between the ages of 14 to 18 were involved with six of the eight landing in North Sydney harbour just outside the Northern Yacht Club (NYC) on Seaview Drive.

“Everyone is fine, with no injuries,” says Junior Sail Director, Paula Smith.  “All those who were involved were transported to hospital and underwent tests to insure no one was affected by hypothermia or had other inquires.  All were released from hospital within three hours of the incident.” 

The majority of the group were NYC Junior Sail instructors who had numerous years of sailing and racing experience.  All sailors were properly equipped with personal floatation devices, weather appropriate wet suits and were under the supervision of a qualified racing instructor who was on the water with the sailors in a safety boat. A safety boat and trained instructors are standard protocols for junior sail training and racing.

“We credit our racing instructor, Amy Cada, with calling for help immediately and getting to our sailors quickly,” says Dean Baldwin, Sail East 2010 Co-chair.  NYC members came to the aid of the group, as well, the Sydney Mines Fire Department and EHS Ambulatory services were on site. “We are very safety oriented and take every precaution when we have junior sailors on the water.  We prepare for events such as these through drills, education and following Canadian Yachting Association protocols.”

The event unfolded within approximately fifteen minutes.  Getting the group back to shore and warm was the first priority.  Once on shore, all eight were taken by ambulance to the Northside General.  The eight were cold but in good spirits. 

The group was preparing for a season of races around the Maritimes including Sail East, to be hosted by their home club NYC in July.   

The Northern Yacht Club's Learn to Sail Program promotes excellence in sailing skills in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and fun.  Participants are taught according to Canadian Yachting Association standards with emphasis on safety, theory, boat handling, sportsmanship, and for those so inclined a competitive sailing. The prime objective of the program is to sail safely.  The NYC Junior Sailing program is a not for profit organization that is run through the Northern Yacht Club in North Sydney.  

For more information, please contact:

Paula Smith

Learn to Sail Director, Northern Yacht Club

paulasmith@eastlink.ca  

(902)794-4028

Dean Baldwin

Co-Chair – Sail East 2010

dmbaldwin@eastlink.ca

(902)794-9121