b"Featuring Sailing Instructors Jess and Ryan Thompson Our 27 enthusiastic sailing instructors enjoyed another summer teaching students, ages six to senior, how to sail. Jess and Ryan Thompson were one of I vividly recall getting aa couple of siblings working with our call from Pleasant Bayparticipants this season. Community Boating nearly three years ago. It was an offer for aRyan is a freshman group of 12 Harwich seniors to enjoyat the University a free afternoon of sailing on Pleasantof Richmond. This Bay waters led by PBCB instructors.summer he taught Sunfish classes, There was an outpouring of interest,Adult Sailing enthusiasm, and gratitude. Many oflessons. He also Sailing With Seniors fromthe folks who signed upboth lifelongparticipated in Kids local Councils on Aging Cape Codders and washashores Messing Around in had never been out on the water.Boats and Simply Sails. Each summer PBCB hosts dozensThis program presented a joyful of seniors from the Councils onafternoon on the Bay, an opportunityJess entered her Aging in Orleans, Harwich, Chatham,for socialization and communitysenior year at and Brewster.They receivebuilding, and an unparalleled chanceSacred Heart in complimentary afternoon sails aroundto learn about boating and our uniqueGreenwich this fall, the Bay.landscape of natural resources. and loves spending her summers on the The participants range from peopleHow was I to know thatCape. Jess worked who have never been in a sailboat orthe Orleans Senior Centerin the Marine had a chance to get out on Pleasantsailing excursion withScience classroom Bay to experienced sailors who haventPleasant Bay Community Boatingthis summer and could often be found had access to a boat and want towould be so popular. But there I was,with little kids hanging from her neck rekindle old joys. languishing on the wait list when Iand arms. When not in the science received a call from PBCB letting meclass, Jess was one of our lifeguards.One might ask Whats theknow that a last-minute cancellation benefit to seniors sailing? Thehad put me on the bus! short answer is that getting out onOnce we arrived, we were greeted by a sailboat has a similar benefit toa group of young, enthusiastic summer walking in nature, absorbing theemployees who kindly assisted their sunshine and fresh air. elders with a properly fitting flotation Similarly, shoving off away from thevest, made sure we were appropriately shore and out to sea offers magicaloutfitted for an afternoon of sailing moments that sharpen the senses(water, hats, sunscreen, etc.)and off and foster a sense of relaxation andwe went to our three awaiting vessels. well-being.Sailing also keeps you fit mentally andWhat a wonderful experience!The physically. On a sailboat, youll needtwo young men who guided my boat to balance yourself and work differentwere multi-year experienced sailors muscles in all manner of ways.who were more than happy to instruct us on the handling of our boat; and The combination of mentalwe soon learned that none of our alertness and physical activity, setquestions were too silly. In addition in a beautiful natural environment,to giving us an excellent tutorial on is the best kind of medicinejustsailing, our two crewmen took turns what the doctor ordered. extolling to us the virtues of being a part of PBCB, of which none of us had In addition to skilled staff on hand,any doubt after our amazing outing.volunteer catboat skippers kindlyI'm committed to beginning early next make themselves available tosummer, take some lessons offered by assist our Council on Aging friendsPBCB, and spend many hours on the each session. water next season."