HomeMy WebLinkAbout780"Article copied from the News Advertiser, September 1, 1976, page B-33.
A place where Shrimps are for sailing not eating
By PAUL JACOT
BAY RIDGES - When Bernie Luttmer moved to the Toronto area from Edmonton a few
years back, he looked at an expanse called Lake Ontario, turned to his wife and said
""we have to buy a boat"".
According to Luttmer that's how he got interested in sailing. Today he runs a busy
operation called Swans Sailing Centre on Frenchman's Bay in Bay Kidges at 590
Liverpool Road.
""Actually I did some sailing when I was a young boy in Holland but I have really
gotten involved in the sport since coming to Bay Ridges, said Luttmer.
The Luttmer's bought the establishment from a man named Swan and they felt
so kindly towards him that they left his name on the business.
There are five sections to the Sailing school and the cost of the lessons run from
$150 to $390.
The lessons are split into eight two-hour sessions, the interesting twist here being
that the pupils can choose their own times to suit their work schedules. At the end of
their course, the students can also come to the marina and use different boats free of
charge.
""It really allows someone all the privileges of sailing without owning a boat outright.
The one fee allows them to use-various boats through the whole season"",
said Luttmer.
The sailing centre also sells various boats, including: Siren, Spindrift, Skunk and
Shrimp boats, as well as Catalina 22, 27 and 30 footers.
For people who want to putter around the bay and along the shores of Lake Ontario,
there are row
boats for sale and rent and of course a good supply of worms for the fishermen.
Each spring Luttmer buys new boats for the school which has full-time sailing instructor
from Europe. Depending on the financial feasibility, Luttmer will be trying to keep him
at the marina all year round.
For the person looking to take up sailing as a sport during the summer months, a
""beginner"" (but not small boat) plus lessons and gear should run you about $3,500.
The price is mostly determined by the size, and class of the boat itself. With a Catalina
22 foot boat for example, plus lessons and gear, the cost would range around $7,500
but would provide the sailor with just about every convenience going, including sleeping
and eating facilities.
photo by Jon Pezell
BERNIE LUTTMER, OWNER OF SWANS SAILING in Bay Ridges runs a sailing
school which is quite unique in that they will fit the lessons around your working hours.
The school is located at the end of Liverpool Road in Pickering.
"