Northwestern Ontario Members Participate in Tri-Sport Event

The Soldier On North-West Ontario Tri-Sport event took place on August 17-19 in Thunder Bay, ON. Soldier On members had the opportunity to participate in three activities: Fishing on Lake Superior, golfing at The Hills, and sailing with Sail Superior.

The three-day event commenced with Archie’s Fishing Charter introducing participants to fishing with a downrigger on a 32-foot Stanley with Archie Hoogsteen captaining the event. The day was full of fun and excitement and saw Soldier On members catching salmon and trout in the world’s greatest lake: Lake Superior.

On the second day, Soldier On members had the opportunity to learn the game of golf at the beautiful and challenging Dragon Hills Golf Course and Driving Range. PGA of Canada golf professionals provided introductory-level instruction to participating Soldier On members to teach the grip, the swing, chipping and putting.

Soldier On members then played the course and found out firsthand how challenging it can be without proper management; let us just say there are a few more balls in the brush and water than before the event began. Everyone enjoyed the challenging fairways and greens, numerous water features and the elevated tee boxes. It was a beautiful day of golfing which ended with a light meal from the golf course.

The third and last day of the event saw Soldier On members sail the 40-foot SV Frodo. Captains Rodney Swatton and Launi Weber provided basic sail instruction and mentored our Soldier On members on the sailing techniques and skills required to sail a vessel safely.

Soft winds in the morning allowed the instructors to teach hoisting and adjusting sails and the stronger afternoon winds on Lake Superior allowed Soldier On members to practice their newly learned sailing skills.
The participants became familiar with terminology such as port, starboard, aft, bow, leeward, mainsail, slack off and tacking, to mention a few. Each member had an opportunity to take the helm, captain Frodo and adjust the sails for optimum speed. All experienced an outstanding and relaxing day.

“Bravo Zulu to Sail Superior staff,” says regional coordinator Dan Whittaker.