Sailing Club obtains funs for new motor

Hayley Tsukayama Staff Writer

For people who truly love sailing, there could be nothing better than maneuvering down the Hudson River with others who share that passion. But for Vassar Sailing Club members, the ride has not been smooth. On Sunday, Sept. 19, the VSA granted the club $1,750 to purchase a new motor which will allow the club to start drills this season.

"My freshman year, we came into school and there had been talk about a sailing club," said Sailing Club Co-President Tessa Cedar '06. "A few weeks into the semester we got an e-mail saying that the club was falling apart due to lack of interest."

"Last spring, we went out a few times, but then the motor broke," Cedar continued.

The team currently has three sailboats and one Laser boat. But a few weeks ago, it lacked a launch board motor. In addition to enabling captains to give instructions between boats, the motor also helps people who fall overboard. If someone tumbles out of a boat, the team will be able to retrieve the sailor much faster if they have a motor.

This year, the club found another motor--an eight horsepower, Yamaha four-stroke--and appealed to the VSA's Capital Contingency fund. Once they pick up the motor, the group will start with practices for advanced sailors first, and then quickly move onto beginner drills. "It's a pretty informal club," said Cedar. "We'll try to run practices twice a week--it's pretty much a 'come when you want' club right now."

Approximately 180 people have expressed interest on the club's Blackboard site. "We'll hopefully be able to start racing clinics soon," said Cedar.

For now, the team will be sailing as long as the weather remains favorable and will resume in the spring. Cedar will be going abroad for spring semester, so Co-President Emily Wheelis '07, will take the helm while she is away.

For more information on information, contact Tessa Cedar at tecedar@vassar.edu.