The Sea Is Calling
Written by Eli Matola
The wind is blowing and the sea is calling.
Run by Rebecca Dumo-Qualters, the University of Hawaii at Hilo Sailing Club meets every Saturday. While a university organization, the club is located off campus. When facing the ocean at 961 Bayfront
Highway, Sailing sits right of the canoe club.
Students who want to acquire or enhance nautical knowledge should get on board.
Club members learn about knots, basic riggings, boat maintenance, and navigation. Weather permitting, members also sail the open ocean. Back on dry land, in addition to learning about sailing, members get together for social functions.
Students who join the club pay a one time $15 fee, which can be paid post-second meeting they attend. Dumo-Qualters wants to inform individuals that club attendance is not required, subsequently meaning enrollment is never too late. Should someone miss a meeting or event, he/she will not be released from Sailing. Like the club itself, the fleet that the club utilizes, a number of 2 to 3 person sailboats, can hold a collection of individuals. All members, however, must know how to swim.
Sail boats outside of the Sailing Club's club house. Photo courtesy of Sailing Club.
On a normal Saturday, students are picked up outside the university bookstore at 10:30 a.m. or meet up with other students at the Bayfront clubhouse at 11:00 a.m.
Concerning the sailing part of the Sailing Club, after readying the boats, members can expect to cruise the ocean from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If a member must leave between these times, accommodations can be made easily. As some students are only just learning to sail, an experienced skipper always goes with members on their trips. The club disbands around 3:30 p.m..
Dumo-Qualters explained, “There is nothing better than being able to relax out on the water after a long stressful week at school, especially when it is really windy and sunny, it's the best.” She urges students to join, continuing, “The only thing you need to know is swimming and we will teach you the rest.”
For those who want to spend a little time on the water on the weekends in beautiful Hilo Bay and meet some wonderful people, feel free to send Dumo-Qualters an email at hilosail@hawaii.edu.
She suggests students who are attending a meeting bring clothes they are willing to get wet, along with water, snacks and sunscreen.
