Come sail away with us: the adventure of a lifetime with UANAI (11/12/06)

Come sail away with us: the adventure of a lifetime with UANAI

by Lida Mykytyn

NEW YORK - Over 13 years ago, a group of friends gathered in the warmth of the Caribbean to escape the brutal winds of winter and attempt some sailing. It was during this trip that this group of 13 individuals, under the direction of Roman Goy, envisioned a recreational organization created for Ukrainian sailing and boating enthusiasts.

The casual conversation focused on potential opportunities to learn sailing skills and teaching others, of sailing worldwide, and of meeting like-minded Ukrainians with whom one could share this passion.

In 1993 such an organization was created and incorporated - the Ukrainian American Nautical Association Inc. ("UANAI").

Over the years, UANAI has grown as an organization. Its membership has expanded to over 75 members and associate members; its activities have evolved; and its geographic concentration for trips has spread all over the world. UANAI sails have been held in a wide range of locales: the Caribbean, Chesapeake Bay, Florida, the Hudson River, as well as on the Great Lakes. The trips graduated to international destinations such as Greece, Turkey, Spain and Croatia.

These sailing trips have afforded its participants such unique experiences such as: a total eclipse of the sun at mid-day off the coast of Guadeloupe, trekking a rainforest in Nevis, visiting ancient ruins of Byzantium in Turkey, being surrounded by the bleached white houses of the Corfu coast, hearing whale spouts on the horizon, swimming along side a school of dolphins, and snorkeling in the most blue and clear waters imaginable. These are just a smidgen of the things UANAI members have encountered.

Despite the evolution and growth of the organization, the mission and objectives of UANAI have remained the same. Sailing excursions focus not only on relaxation and enjoyment, but provide numerous opportunities for the development of both nautical and interpersonal skills.

For those sailing for the first time, there is the opportunity to learn about basic boat handling and safety. Exciting for the sailing novice is the experience of the gentle rocking of a boat for the first time, the sensation of feeling a yacht glide under sail with no motor, and the immersion in a beautiful environment and, at times, a different culture.

For experienced sailors, there is opportunity to expand skills, organize and chart trips, experience new conditions and challenges, as well as pass along their knowledge to a new group of enthusiasts. Through its activities, UANAI has staged the forum for experienced sailors to become skippers and captain boats that range from 36 to 51 feet, which include known sailboat makers such as Hunter, Catalina and Beneteau.

Both experienced and novice sailors get first-hand experience at tackling changing sailing conditions, shifting winds, stubborn currents and even downpours. They begin to gain knowledge to master anchoring, mooring and docking. And just when they think they've mastered such concepts, an amusing wrench gets thrown in, such as docking bow first along a concrete wall in Greece. That's what makes sailing continually exciting.

UANAI's attributes are not limited to the technical aspects of sailing. The organization also cultivates the atmosphere for social interaction and sheer enjoyment. Imagine digging your feet into the warm sand and overlooking crystal blue waters, while sitting in a hammock, sharing tropical drinks.

On the regional sails, the boats raft up together, exchanging everything from "kabanosy" to prepared meals, while blaring music, kicking back and watching the sunset. The sailing trips promote much energy, enjoyment and true friendship among participants.

All UANAI trips are planned by volunteer members and are bareboat charters, which means that members fill the roles of captain, cook and crew. During each trip, all crew members share the responsibilities on the boat, from hauling lines to working the helm, preparing meals and keeping the vessel in a general state of cleanliness. The development of sailing skills is actively encouraged and is a hands-on experience.

The best part of each sail for many UANAI members is the social interaction among Ukrainian Americans whose paths might not have otherwise crossed. The group is diverse in many ways: age, marital status, religious affiliation, youth group affiliation and geographic location (from Toronto to Florida to California). Living cooperatively in the kind of tight quarters that can only be found aboard a boat while sailing has fostered friendships (and even some marriages) that might not otherwise have been formed in the ordinary course of Ukrainian American life. This, in turn, has led to many meaningful dialogues and interactions in the broader community context.

Upcoming sailing adventures being organized by UANAI include the Caribbean Regatta, starting in St. Martin on March 10-17, 2007.

UANAI welcomes all interested Ukrainian boating and sailing enthusiasts. UANAI is a non-profit organization, which publishes newsletters and organizes various regional, national and international sailing trips. For further information about the UANAI, visit its website at www.uanai.com or UANAI sailing network on Multiply.com. For further detailed information readers may contact UANAI President David Sembrot ([email protected]) or Activities Coordinator Lida Mykytyn ([email protected]).

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