Sailing Hall of Fame – World Champion Gail Johnson

Gail describes herself as “a kid who sailed and grew up.”  In 1985, that kid won the Women’s 470 World Championships. And on October 15th, 2022, she and 11 fellow sailors will be inducted into the Sail Canada Hall of Fame during its 2022 ceremony.  

In July, on our very own Wayfinder, Gail took a course with one of our most beloved and skilled skippers, Rob Keith.  Why would a World Champion sailor need to take a sailing course?  “I can make a boat go fast and straight.  But I don’t know how to keep it off the rocks.”  Competitive racing on a course means sailing on a track, in a straight line.  No engines.  No anchoring.  No navigating.  Anyone who has enjoyed the beauties and complexities of British Columbia knows that the tides and currents and deep dark waters knows that these skills are non-negotiable.  Thanks to her friendship with Rob’s wife, Gail knew just who to call and made her way to Sidney for an amazing trip.

Gail’s journey to our docks began 5 years ago among a gathering of friends and came together with Rob Keith on beautiful Summer Circumnavigation of Salt Spring Island.  Genoa Bay, Telegraph Cove, Montague, Bedwell Harbour, then Sidney – their counter-clockwise journey around Salt Spring Island is inspiring more trips.  Thailand this coming March. 

We asked Gail for her insights on excellent instruction.  The ability to manage boat issues and provide guidance attuned to each student’s abilities, without losing sight of having fun – qualities of note in the greatest instructors.  As a former sailing instructor, she knew the challenges first-hand.  Qualities she appreciated in Rob, whose local knowledge led them to terrific sunsets and excellent storytelling added to a relaxed trip.

We hope to see Gail again, maybe on one of our flotillas.  We wish her a hearty congratulations on her well-earned recognition.  Fair winds and following seas.

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Upcoming courses

Whether you seek training in Canada with Cooper Boating or south of the border in Bellingham, WA with NW Explorations, here’s a look at the many training opportunities available.

For more information, email us at:

British Columbiaschool@cooperboating.com
Washington Statetraining@nwexplorations.com 

TRAINING & EVENT CALENDAR – 2022/2023

 

 

Oct 3 & 5

Oct 13

Oct 18

Oct 21

VHF/ROC(M) (Classroom) – Vancouver

Bay Skipper 1 – Vancouver

Coastal Navigation (Classroom) – Vancouver

Basic Power – Vancouver

November 19

VHF/ROC(M) – Online (Register by November 7)

January 9 & 16

VHF/ROC(M) – Online (Register by December 23, 2022)

March 2, 4, 5

March 9, 11, 12

March 10, 11, 12

March 25-31

Day Sail – Crew Course – Vancouver

Day Sail – Bay Skipper – Vancouver

Basic Power – Vancouver

Beginner Crew & Skipper Cruise & Learn – Sidney

April 8-10

April 9-10

April 9-10

April 9-10

April 13, 15, 16

April 14, 15, 16

April 13-17

April 15-17

April 20, 22, 23

April 22-24

April 27-May 1

April 21-28

April 23-May 3

3-day Power Boat Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

2023 Charter Client Check-Ride Weekend – Sidney

Refresher Weekend – Sidney

Docking Clinic – Sidney

Day Sail – Crew Course – Vancouver

Basic Power – Vancouver

5-day Power Boat Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

3-day Women on the Water Power Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

Day Sail – Bay Skipper – Vancouver

3-day Power Boat Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

5-day Power Boat Course – Bellingham with NW Exploration

Beginner Crew & Skipper Cruise & Learn – Sidney

10-day Advanced Sail – Sidney

May 4, 6, 7

May 4-8

May 6-8

May 6-8

May 6-13

May 7-8

May 7-8

May 7-8

May 11, 13, 14

May 12, 13, 14

May 13-15

May 18, 19, 20

May 18-22

May 20-22

May 20-22 

May 25-29

May 25, 27, 28

May 25-June 1

May 27-29

Day Sail – Crew Course – Vancouver

5-day Power Boat – Bellingham with NW Explorations

3-day Women on the Water Power Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

3-day Power Boat Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

Beginner Crew & Skipper Cruise & Learn (Sail) – Sidney

2023 Charter Client – Check-Ride Weekend – Vancouver

Refresher Weekend – Vancouver

Docking Clinic (Power & Sail) – Vancouver

Day Sail – Bay Skipper – Vancouver

Basic Power – Vancouver

3-day Power Boat – Bellingham with NW Explorations

Day Sail – Crew Course – Vancouver

5-day Power Boat – Bellingham with NW Explorations

3-day Women on the Water Power Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

3-day Power Boat – Bellingham with NW Explorations

5-day Powerboat – Bellingham with NW Explorations

Day Sail – Bay Skipper – Vancouver

Beginner Crew & Skipper Cruise & Learn (Sail & Power)- Sidney

3-day Power Boat Course – Bellingham with NW Explorations

Sept. 29–Oct. 6

10-day Advanced Sail – Vancouver