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they would need more towork with.Luckily, the staff wasmotivated to build a competitivegroup of sailorswho would help make thecenter recognizable in thesailing community. Withthe institution of an annualmembership for boat usage,rental of the upstairs spacefor weddings, and a fewdonations here and there,the center was eventuallyable to establish a largerfleet, including 420s for theracers to advance to, oncethey outgrew their Optimist Prams.Now the teams are at a level wherethey are travelling regionally andnationally to compete. Perhaps evenmore influential was that the centerwas able to become the launching siteof major regattas, with top competitorsand pleasure-seekers alike.Another big turning point wasthe switch from being a city-ownedcenter to a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.This made the center independentand tax-exempt. After a fewyears of steady activity and success,the CCSC hit a lull. A few people evenrefer to this time period as the“Wedding Chapel” years, as that waswhat generated the most traffic flow.There were still regattas, summer camps and lessons, but theenthusiasm was lost.It was clear that what the CCSC needed was a changeof pace. In January 2010, Bev Buysse took over as director,and the sailing center got just that. Looking at Bev’s resume,the only direction the center could go was forward. Hermajor selling points include former Coast Guard lieutenant,assistant harbormaster for the city of Clearwater, owner ofTri This Inc., and a world-class triathlon competitor. In thecourse of less than two years, the center has made a completeturnaround. Long-time members don’t believe it’s thesame place they’ve been sailing at for years. The fleet hasincreased by 12 to 15 boats and four paddleboards, andthere are plans in the immediate future for more. There areKids from the sailing center sailing on HobieWaves in Clearwater.Hobie Waves—and one lone Opti—line thewaterfront at the sailing center.always people there. It’spractically unheard of tobe the only one out on thewater. Membership hasalmost doubled, includingcompetitive team membershipssuch as Team FOR,Sailfit and North BeachWindsurfing. There arealso big plans in the worksfor the upcoming regattaseason.In addition to the regattasthat have been held outof Clearwater for years,such as the Clark Mills, theCarlisle Classic and theLaser Midwinters East, there willalso be a Windmill, Hobie Wave andTeam FOR Invitational Regatta. Theyouth Opti and 420 teams have alsobecome increasingly more competitive,traveling outside of Florida toregional and national events.With such an ideal location, warmwater, Gulf access, storage space,etc., it is hard to ignore the potentialthe center has only begun to fulfill.Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen personalemergency, Bev Buysse had toleave the center to return to her homestate of Indiana. Her return is hoped forby all, but cannot be considered definite.In Bev’s absence, the goal of ProgramDirector Rich White and the rest of the staff is to show the center’sappreciation by continuing to uphold her standards so that thereis an even better sailing center waiting if she can return.Erin McKie is the sailing center’s receptionist and Opti green fleetcoach.THE PERFECT FAMILY/TEACHING BOAT• Hull weight - 132 lbsLength - 12’ 7’; Beam - 4’ 8’’• 4 Rig configurations 1 hull• Car topableROTO MOLDED &LOW MAINTENANCECan be shipped directanywhere in the U.S.410-286-1960sales@topazsailing.comwww.TopazSailing.comNews & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS September 2011 39