Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
I saw a sign on store window recently reading, “Let your dreams set sail.”
How often I’ve looked out onto Stuart Lake and saw the sailing boats in the distance.
The peacefulness, the tranquility, the apparent fulfillment of connecting with nature is clear from every sailor’s perspective that I’ve had the recent pleasure of speaking with.
For Paul Inden, Chair of the Stuart Lake Sailing Club, sailing is exhilarating and relaxing.
“We are so lucky to live right on the lake. To have sailing so accessible, it really is special,” Inden says.
Inden, who has been involved with the club since 2000, says that sailing really isn’t considered a snobbish sport as some may conceive it to be.
“And some think why go slow if you can go fast on a jet boat for example,” Inden says.
The reason?
For Inden and for many sailors I’m sure, sailing is all about being able to feel and respect nature.
It clears your mind with peacefulness as you appreciate the beauty surrounding you. Sailing offers an escape from the day to day.
And yes, sailing is also about the challenge.
Heinrich Grimm played an integral part in starting the sailing club in Fort St. James 28 years ago.
“We used to go on four day sailing trips on this lake,” Grimm said.
“There’s nothing like it. Sailing is so quiet and peaceful. Mind you I have been caught in few storms on the lake but I’ve never been afraid.”
And Grimm, 91, has no plans of quitting sailing soon. He and his wife are honorary members of the Stuart Lake Sailing Club.
With sailing camps offered throughout the summer and living near stunning Stuart Lake, it seems an opportunity not to be missed.
“It’s sustainable, financially and environmentally,” Inden said.
“At times being in a small town can be so limiting, but living on the lake, we are so lucky to have sailing available. How could we not take advantage of it?”