The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Flin Flon sea cadets aren't commanding a great naval ship yet, but may in their future after learning the basics of sailing at Big Island Lake. It was sunny and windy for the group of sea cadets seeking their level one and two while a lone cadet was chasing after the third level on Sunday, September 4. Michelle Podaima, 14, is that lone cadet and after spending nearly two hours at sea, she was pleased with her results. "It was pretty good," says Podaima, about the wind as she sailed with two inexperienced sailors. "It went better than what I thought. The crew listened and did what they were supposed to do." Podaima felt the instruction she received, especially while sailing, has been good. "If not for them, I would have (been in) trouble or capsized," she said. Capsizing happens when the boat leans to a side and falls into the water. This is a procedure that is taught so when the boat falls into the water, the cadets can bring it back up. "Michelle, she did very well, considering she was with two going for their first level," says instructor Mireille Chartier. She continued by saying that Podaima had to coach the other cadets and had to know what she was doing herself. Because of her experience, Podaima was able provide direction. "She'll have to get a lot more time in the water, unfortunately, because it's hard to get it (understand) in one or even two days," Chartier explained about her progress. "We can tell that she's a lot more mature and understands what's going on." Richard Wall said the experience on water was awesome. "Handling the boat was pretty easy," says the confident 13-year-old, "because the instructors were helpful and we had good teamwork. "The winds give speed and I love it," he says. "Sailing is so much fun and it's enjoyable being with friends." The cadets ages nine to 16 and are given constant instruction by the watchful eyes of their experienced teachers. While not afraid to give input when necessary, Chartier and her fellow instructors also have patience in giving their students a chance to see if they can veer themselves away from trouble or fall back on their classroom instruction to make the right decision. "We have to remind them on the water a lot, 'cause they tend to freak out, 'okay, what do I do, what do I do'," says Chartier. "You have to remind them on the water pretty much constantly until they get the hang of it, as soon as they get the hang of it, they're fine, they're good to go." Cadets going for their first level just have to listen to the skipper and do what he or she wants and do the capsizing procedure. Cadets going for the high levels need to be more independent. Before the cadets set out to sea, they must complete classroom sessions learn about the boat they will command, learning all the basics about the boat and the terminology of parts. This proves important for the cadets to understand instructions given to them as well. They also learn about safety issues. Lois (Bunny) Burke, commanding officer for sea cadets core number 68 RCSCC Husky, says sailing is an important part of cadets because they are connected to the Navy. Unfortunately, because members of the corps are not qualified to teach sailing, the cadets don't receive more. The instructors who worked with the cadets this past weekend have come every summer for the last three years. "These instructors are very good and knowledgeable," says Burke, who has noticed improvement. Chartier would agree with Burke as she felt the cadets did very well. " Considering, it was probably just enough wind for them," she says, "when the wind picks up, they have trouble, but otherwise it's good, they can sail straight, tack and drive." For now, these cadets will continue to enjoy sailing the small friendlier seas before they tackle the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean if a naval fleet is in the horizon.7/9/05
