Sailing on Lake Scugog this summer

CAESAREA - Scugog is hoping to put a little wind in the sails of a pair of its new programs by hosting a regatta on the waves of Lake Scugog later this month.

In an effort to stir up interest in a pair of new recreational programs to be offered in Caesarea later this summer, the municipality will host its inaugural Ontario Sailing Regatta on Lake Scugog on July 26. In case there's insufficient wind, the event will be held the following day, on July 27.

As part of the Ontario Sailing Windsurf Regatta 3, there will be a number of racing categories to participate in such as open raceboard and novice and youth rainbow regatta.

The competition will be held at the Beacon Marina, 3 Marina Drive, with registration beginning on-site at 9 a.m. A skipper's meeting will follow at 10 a.m. and the first race will start at 11 a.m.

Registration is free for youths between the ages of eight and 18. There is a $10 fee for those between 19 and 21 who sign up before July 14; after that date, registration is $20. There is a $40 charge for adults (22 and older) before July 14; the fee jumps to $50 after that date.

For those more interested in watching the regatta as opposed to participating, the Township is also looking for volunteers with boats to help marshal the race.

By hosting the regatta, it's hoped interest will be kindled in a pair of new programs to be offered by the Township. Following the regatta, Windsurfing Canada will provide lessons for youths and adults from July 28 to 31.

Youth aged eight to 11 can participate in lessons from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; those aged 12 and older can take part in lessons from 3 to 4:30 p.m. There is a $50 fee and participants can choose between taking lessons on July 28 and 29, or July 30 and 31.

As well, there is an opportunity for adults to enjoy lessons from 6 to 8 p.m. between July 28 and 31 at a cost of $100. Adults may also sign up for one evening lesson only and receive some tips from instructors at a cost of $25.

Windsurfing will also play a key role in an upcoming new municipal day camp program that will be offered in Caesarea from July 28 to Aug. 1. The new high-energy, children's 'Sports Camp' will feature windsurfing lessons in the morning at the Beacon Marina, followed by sports and games in Caesarea's Putsey Park in the afternoon. On the final day of camp, Aug. 1, campers will participate in an 'Olympic Day'.

The 'Sports Camp' runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and costs $96. All campers must complete a swim test at Birdseye Pool to be eligible to attend this camp.

For more information on the regatta, windsurfing lessons or the children's sports camp, contact Craig Belfry (905-985-8698, extension 102 or cbelfry@scugog.ca), Reet Mae (416-694-2709 or eestireet@rogers.com) or Tracy Murray (905-982-0830 or tmurray@scugog.ca).

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