Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg VA, July 7, 2014. Late Spring, Kingsmill Yacht Club, in conjunction with Williamsburg's local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 67, conducted it's first-ever open-to-the-public Virginia Safe Boaters Class. Spearheaded by KYC Training Director, David Chin, this course also served as the capstone class to the previous month's successful two week "Dry Sailing" class he taught, and provided students with the opportunity to secure the soon-to-be mandatory Va Safe Boater Card. In the KYC tradition, all educational classes began with the "M3", a "Mix-Mingle & Mange", a social time of foods and a variety of beverages. "We're not only offering education through our Community Education Program, we're giving attendees a taste of what Kingsmill Yacht Club membership can be, and a sampling of the social and service orientation our Club represents.
It was a combined effort of community outreach through the Kingsmill resident's Bulletin, local Virginia Gazette, on-line announcements and public listing on the DGIF website , as well as postings at local marinas that brought together over two dozen students ranging from a few youth students, to a slew of retirees getting ahead of the age-based legal requirement for boating in Va waters. USCG Auxiliary Training Officer Pete Berquist, one of the senior instructors who presented, reported that this was their Flotilla's largest class, with the highest passing rate (100% of student body passed), and highest average scores (with many who aced the exam)" . . . "And certainly the most fun and social Boater Safety Class, I might add!" remarked Chin, with credit given to the student body and the "M3" making the rather cozy classroom work for all. "The educational material and presentation made learning the material fun and entertaining" remarked Chris Swynford, a local attorney and new boat owner, himself, attending with his wife Susan.
Kingsmill Yacht Club is one of the oldest social organizations of Kingsmill, Williamsburg Virginia, and USCG Aux Flotilla 67 serves the Lower Peninsula, and local waters. Together, they form a collaborative team to bring a more active and safer yachting experience to the Williamsburg community. "We didn't want to turn anyone away from this special qualification course" presented over two evenings. "We'll likely be repeating this series again, and welcome inquires of our offerings and indications of interests for future classes by emailing me, [email protected]", closed Chin, "Fair winds and Safe Boating!"
