PAM BAL
LIFE REPORTER

Humber sailing club member. (Pam Bal)

Humber students looking to spend the summer near the water don’t need to go far.

Humber’s sailing and powerboating centre hopes to recruit people staying close to home for its sailing classes.
Director of the centre Scott Hughes said Humber’s sailing courses are a good option for people not travelling this summer.
“Why jump on an airplane and fly out somewhere and spend a lot of money, when you can stay in your own backyard and learn to sail,” said Hughes.
While the first keelboating class of the season took place on April 5, preparations at the centre, located at Humber Bay Park West on Lake Ontario, are still underway.
“We’ve got five brand new boats that were built in Canada,” said John Horemans, an instructor at the centre and a Humber sailing club member.
Mauro Bianco, a sailing club member of 10 years, said there are two parts to the centre.
Sailing classes of various levels –from introduction to advanced – are offered through Humber, said Bianco.
He said once people finish a course they can join the club, which gives members access to the centre’s boats.
Hughes said approximately 240 people joined last year and this year the focus is on growing the club.
The cost to join is $750 for one month or $1250 for two months.
“We’re looking for growth in that area as an alternative to owning a boat, which is pretty costly,” said Hughes.
Bianco said there are always people to sail with at the centre.
“One of the problems with sailing is you always need crew,” he said. “That’s not an issue here. You can come down anytime and you’ll always find people to go sailing with.”
Humber’s sailing and powerboating centre is holding an open house this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.