"Ryan did an amazing job with us, going through all the rigging and systems to help us figure out our boat. He mentored us on our first sail, helping us get used to the motoring parts especially. We had our first solo sail today and, though it was not perfect, it was fun and successful! We will have a few more lessons: reefing on this boat, more adventures in docking, getting ready to put it away for the season. We look forward to sharing the sailing joy - and racing lessons next summer!
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Jane & Glenn |
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"Hello, I'm Charlie and I like the Green Bay Sail and Paddle club because of renting boats and stem camp.
I like renting boats because you get to go sailing a lot more often. For example the boats they use are very fast and you can take private lessons on the more advanced boats: Prindles, Getaway, and Quest. Last summer I got to take my cousins sailing and we were flying the hull more than three times and we capsized the boat! Larry came to help us right away!
I like camp because you can go sailing and learn how to rig and sail the catamarans we use. The instructors teach you how to deal with a capsized boat and teach you how to right the boat safely. The instructors teach you what the different sails are and navigate traffic on water.
I also liked the camp because of the fun science experiments. One of them is the heat test measuring heat absorbed by land and water. Another cool experiment is learning about the anemometer. We made our own out of cups and then compared it to a real anemometer in the safety boat. Another cool project was making boats out of garbage and then we put a fan on one end of a gutter and had a little rain gutter regatta.
I am looking forward to getting out on the boats again and sailing with you."
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Charlie H. - Volunteer '23 |
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"Thank you for running such a wonderful program! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen our girls get so excited about something and come home every day excited to tell us about what they’ve learned."
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Sarah B. - STEM Camp Parent '22 |
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"My three children had the best time at Stem Camp, thanks to a generous scholarship donor. As a widow, I was only able to pay a small portion. We live on a small lake and a neighbor taught one of my children how to sail, which drew the interest of my other children. Because they were able to go to camp, they learned a life long skill and skills that will help save their lives. They enjoyed the peer-to-peer lessons, which I applaud. Those teens really were knowledgeable and made safety a number one priority. Just yesterday, my 14 yr. old son took his 10 yr. old sister sailing on a Hobi! Both went to camp! Thank you STEM CAMP! I hope donors will continue to give because these camps are priceless. Thank you! I hope my children can attend next summer."
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Lyne R. - STEM Camp Parent '21 |
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"My daughter had the opportunity to attend STEM Camp Weeks One and Two. She enjoyed everything about it…the combination of sailing and STEM! She had never sailed before and after the first week she took our family out on one of the catamarans as the skipper. She loved how the information was presented in a fun and interesting way. The teachers were great and everyone was so friendly and welcoming! I was impressed with how much she learned and that safety was a priority!"
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Teppie S - STEM Camp Parent '21 |
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"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."
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Franklin A. |
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"This was the best day of the Summer! I cannot believe I've never sailed before! It was so fun being on the water and making friends. GBS&P helped me make memories I'll never forget. Thank you GBS&P!"
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Katie |
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"I’ve never realized what I learned in math class could be applicable to real life! I felt like the captain of a ship to conquer the waters!"
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Nicole |
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"This was the most rewarding job in my life. Working with kids from all walks of life to help them find something to give them confidence and help them grow."
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Mike |
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"The kids had a blast on the water which allowed them to appreciate connecting STEM with the fun they were having. Thank you GBSP!"
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Eli |
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"I am from Minnesota. I was online searching for a gift card to a unique adventure for my friends. It took a bit to find the right experience.
We are a group of seven couples giving one gift. The wedding couple enjoys travel so the gift is coming in one suitcase with vintage travel items inside. Each item and the corresponding gift represents something about each couple and the journey that married life is. The real gifts are a certificates for the wedding couple to do together. There is a gift certificate to a local winery, the movies, a wall print, Menard's, the National Railroad Museum, a local escape room adventure, and your sailing experience.
The sailing experience makes the point that in life, as in sailing, there isn't a lot of room. One of our couples has moved a lot in their time together. So their experience represents that concept. And the marriage advice is, as you pack your life, make sure you are packing what is truly important and needed. An experience like yours is a glorious way to get that across.
So your online presence is what led me to you. Keep that up. And make sure they post a comment whenever they get to turn in the certificate.
This is a great wedding gift. That's why I bought it for them. Cash is too impersonal. How much better a day together on the open water doing something new and fun that demands some teamwork from the couple. I can't wait to hear how it goes.
I hope you continue to have success in the future. It is a valuable asset for the community."
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Sarah G. |
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"My wife and I had a wonderful time sailing with Green Bay Sail & Paddle this last season. The lessons, which were run by knowledgeable and passionate instructors, were extremely helpful since we were just beginners when we started. Plus, the sailing we were able to do on our own through their boat rental was amazingly! I think sailing is so enjoyable because by simply choosing the weather you go out in and how aggressively you sail it can be relaxing, exciting, or both!"
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Matt O. |
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"Outdoor Adventure and learning new skills are just some of the things Girls Scouts gained by partnering with Green Bay Sail & Paddle. Girls practiced teamwork, applied STEM knowledge, and enjoyed supported risk taking. The informative, guided instruction helped manifest our mission in action as many girls exhibited courage and confidence to sail on their own! The Girl Scouts were thankful and appreciative for great instructors and are looking forward to continuing to use their new skill! Thank you Green Bay Sail & Paddle."
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Karmen L. - Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes |
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"Being a part of Green Bay Sail & Paddle was the most amazing part of my summer. Knowledgeable and friendly staff made learning safe, fun, and easy. Now I volunteer to share the joy. Thanks, GBSP!"
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Mary Clare V. |
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"Green Bay Sail & Paddle is bringing to life the beautiful waters and resources we have here in Green Bay, WI! The opportunities for everyone of all ages– from young children and teens to adults and parents quickly change lives and become memories forever."
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Morgan J. |
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