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Cascade Locks, Oregon --- The Pacific Northwest is brilliant with contrast from snow capped mountains to wave breaking ocean, lush rain forest to desolate desert landscape, soft gentle breezes to absolutely rippin' wind. July 28-31 at Cascade Locks, youth sailors from as far as the east coast came to participate in a racing clinic who's name aptly describes the major draw to the venue....WIND!
Gathered on the beach these youngsters heard words of encouragement from US Sailing President Janet Baxter before launching their Laser Radials and 4.7’s on to the Columbia River for four days of intense coaching and guidance from coaches Morgan Larson, Brett Davis and Jay Kehoe. These outstanding coaches put these youngsters through intense drills to perfect their boat handling skills. As President Baxter so aptly stated, “There is no other place that I know of that can guarantee wind like this for any event”. The all volunteer beach management team consisted of Wright Watoaka, Jan Visser, Maria Mason, Mike Visser, John Shalka, and several other parents who graciously gave their assistance. These hard working volunteers of The Sailing Foundation worked tirelessly to keep the clinic running smoothly by assisting in rigging, helping with breakdowns, preparing lunches, safety boat management, cooking dinner each night, and so much more.
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Thursday July 28, 2005 saw the
arrival at Cascade Locks, Oregon of 19 young Pacific Northwest sailors,
one all the way from Annapolis, MD. and several from the San Francisco Bay Area all with one
goal in mind; to perfect their sailing skills in some of the best and
most consistent wind conditions anywhere in the continental United
States.
The conclusion of each day on the water saw the students retreat to the
Pavilion at Cascade Locks Marine Park where debriefing was held and
video’s of the day’s exploits on the water were reviewed.
Stretching exercises in Yoga conducted by Brett Davis helped the young
sailors stretch tired muscles and relax from the intensities of the day. Dick Rose, US Sailing Judge and Rules expert
arrived on Saturday to review and observe the these young sailors
offering advice on kinetics and rules scenarios. Dick was there on the
final day, Sunday, for the end of the event Regatta for judging
purposes. 
Another bonus for these youngsters was the presence
of John Bertrand who had brought his son Alex to The Gorge just for this
event. John spoke with the participants at the debriefings and
encouraged their participation now and throughout a lifelong sailing
career. John encouraged all of the WIND staff to continue this project
for many more years to come.