WEST FLORIDA SAILING basics of sailing to corporate individuals who must work as a team to accomplish the sailing of a vessel. The concept is rather easy and straightforward, but the actual execution of the exercise proves to be more difficult than you would think. The ideal group size is at least 10 participants. The larger group is divided into small teams consisting of 2-4 persons. Each team is isolated from the others and instructed on a single phase of sailboat operation. Helmsmen learn to use the tiller and rudder control, another will learn rigging, yet another will learn points of sail and sail trim, etc. When each team has a good grasp on what is required for its specialty, one member is taken from each team to form a crew. Then the inexperienced crew must combine their individually acquired skills in a cooperative manner to effectively sail the boat. The newly formed crews are not set adrift to fend for themselves. A certified instructor is also onboard to ensure the safe operation of the exercise and maintain continuity of purpose. A safety boat is also on station to assist if needed. The sailing exercise is conducted in the protected waters of the ICW just east of Sand Key and away from any heavy powerboat traffic in the channel. Unlike other popular Team Builders that hit or miss the mark and usually end up with one self-proclaimed leader, everyone involved in the sailing exercise must work together and share their knowledge of what to do and when to do it in order to make the boat successfully sail. This is a unique and fun way to build a team of individuals to achieve a common goal, in this case, learning the skills to make the boat sail efficiently. The latest corporate group to meet the Team Building challenge hailed from TMESYS Retail Pharmaceutical
Program of Tampa on February 2nd. Participants from their Dallas, Chicago and other area offices were also in attendance. After the crew strategy meetings, five teams consisting of two persons each, filled the three-hour session with competitive sailing against each other. Feedback from the crews indicated that everyone enjoyed the event and most had never been close to a sailboat, much less attempted to sail one. Good job TMESYS! Director Al Humphers, Instructor Patricia Regenauer, staff, volunteers and board members of CCSC are working diligently to implement new programs and revitalize older ones at the sailing center, providing many diverse opportunities to the sailing community in the Clearwater area. The Corporate Team Builder Program has become a popular and educational venue for groups desiring an adventurous and competitive team-building project. Further interest in the sport of sailing by Team Builder participants is more than a possibility and would be an added bonus to the program’s overall success. “The Clearwater Community Sailing Team Challenge is designed to foster the development of effective teams.” For more information on the Corporate Team Building program and other sailing opportunities at CCSC, contact the sailing center Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (727) 517-7776 or visit their Web site at www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.
Racing Racing Calendar For the legend, addresses, and contacts for the sponsoring sailing association of the races listed below, go to the 2004-2005 West Florida Race Calendar and Yacht Club Directory at Southwinds’ Web site, www.southwindssailing.com. Contact editor@southwindssailing.com to receive a hard copy.
Leukemia Cup Regatta, Predicted Log Race, Golf Tournament and Tennis Match April 8-10
T
he Punta Gorda Sailing Club and the Isles Yacht Club will again conduct the Leukemia Cup Regatta and auction on April 8-10 for the benefit of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia Cup Regatta is a sailboat race open to spinnaker, non-spinnaker, cruising class, monohull, multihull and small boats. It is one of the biggest races in southwest Florida and is part of the Boat of the Year competition for West Florida. This year, a predicted log race for powerboats, a tennis match and golf tournament, have been added. The money generated from the events goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for research and assistance to victims of these diseases. The dinner and auction are April 10 at Isles Yacht Club. For more Information and registration, go to www.pgscweb.com, or call Michael Savino, publicity chairman, at (941)505-2063.
64
March 2005
SOUTHWINDS
www.southwindssailing.com