"Losing my fear of sailing! During a casual conversation in early July/2020, a very nice co-worker (a gifted sailor himself, Mr. Mike Dorvinen) suggested me to contact GBSP if I wanted to learn the basics about sailing. I did, and the experience has been superb ever since! Peggy Collinsmith was just wonderful from day one with e-mail support, phone call follow ups; she was even more delightful in person. She made all first steps and transactions very easy. I ended up taking the intro class on 7/29 ($40), Basic Sailing 1 (9 hours/3 days/$165) on 8/4-6, and Basic Sailing 2 (9 hours/3 days/$165) on 8/18-20, plus 5 private lessons (2 hours each/$100 each lesson) on 8/10, 19, 20, 25 & 27. Maxwell Hermans (Lead Sailing Instructor) as well as a group of wonderful sailing instructors (Behrgen Smith, Murray Frolich, Mimi Stockman, and Charlie Dickey) have made my experience beyond enjoyable. They were at all times patient, professionals, humble, social, encouraging, aware, and talented, teaching us at our own pace, always with safety in mind at all times (from COVID-19 enforced guidelines to water safety). Heck, I even bought some of their apparel (Mimi is a great salesperson!). I want to thank all of them, and Becky Paul (GBSP president) for planting in me the love for sailing at 53 years-old! Add to that a wonderful supper with my wife on 8/22 at Louie’s Lagoon by Skaliwags (best hamburgers ever!) on South Bay Marina. Better yet, I got to capsized a catamaran with my wife, Susan Arias (Tubbs), on it during my 2nd private lesson; that was priceless! ????I highly recommend these lessons and this committed organization to anyone wondering what it would be like to learn how to sail! Thank you GBSP; what a great way to re-energize downtown GB! It was money very well invested. I consider myself lucky to have rediscovered and enjoyed my adopted hometown of Green Bay, Wisconsin, this summer!I have a very long way to go yet when it comes to sailing, but I am already looking forward to experience even more sailing lessons and journeys in the summer of 2021, and beyond! I wish you all the very best. Stay well!Franklin Arias 8/27/2020."
- Franklin
