Lynn Lynch (Chicago, Ill.) was honored with Virginia Long
Sail Training Service & Support Award earlier this month at the Sailing
Leadership Forum Awards Dinner, sponsored by Old Pulteney and hosted by the San
Diego Sports Hall of Fame.
Lynn has spent many years contributing to the art and
science of sailing instruction as well as unparalleled support of her local
program. She has been exceptional as the On-the-Water Director for Chicago
Yacht Club, especially in her leadership of the junior sailing program’s
activities and training, management of personnel, and operations of the race
committee’s responsibilities for both one-design and offshore events.
Lynn has conducted and been the trainer in several local powerboat
courses with outstanding success. She has also been a great contributor at the
National Faculty meetings building curriculum, protocols and standards for Keelboat,
Small Boat and Powerboat. She recently has become a Keelboat Program Instructor
Trainer.
Read what Lynn had to say about her experiences and the
advice she has for others in similar roles at their club:
US Sailing: What advice would you give someone who is
interested in being an On the Water Director for a sailing organization?
Lynn: Never pass up an opportunity to take advantage of
training, seminars, practical experience or whatever you can get your hands on.
I spent the first part of my career as a sailing instructor and then as a
program director. I didn't know that my path would lead to the job I have now
as the On the Water Director at Chicago Yacht Club, but part of the reason I
was able to go that route is because I had such a wide array of training. I
jumped at the chance to attend anything from US Sailing instructor courses to race
management seminars to US Coast Guard license classes to outboard engine repair
courses. When the job came up at CYC, even though I didn't have a specific
background in race management and regatta organization, I was able to make it
work.
US Sailing: What tips would you give someone who is
interested in growing the programming at their club?
Lynn: Don't be afraid to go out on a limb to try something
new, but be patient when waiting for the results to materialize. Sometimes the
idea is great, but it needs to be re-worked after the first or second season to
really hone it into what your clientele wants.
US Sailing: What type of sailing do you enjoy? When and
where did you learn how to sail?
Lynn: I enjoy almost any kind of sailing, but I probably
have the most fun on my Laser. I first sailed on my family's 27' Hunter, Bagarags when I was 6 or 7, but really
learned how to sail when doing high school sailing at Chicago Yacht Club in
420s.
US Sailing: Who inspires you most?
Lynn: People who are in this sport for all the right
reasons. My first sailing instructor still comes down to CYC and does mark set
for every high school regatta we run - rain or shine (or snow). The biggest
thanks he gets is a bowl of chili and maybe a t-shirt now and then. And there
are so many people in our sport just like him! It is so refreshing to be around
these guys who have no agenda other than to be on the water doing what they
love.
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