Kelowna Yacht Club
At the end of the day, the top winner will be presented with a fishing trophy with their name engraved and will be on display at the Kelowna Yacht Club. Seen here is the winner of the 2018 event.
Words by Steve Fennell
Since 2000, the Kelowna Yacht Club has been hosting its popular Blind Fishing Derby, an annual event that provides the opportunity for the visually impaired to enjoy a day on the water, fish for kokanee or rainbow trout, and partake in the enjoyment of the boating lifestyle.
Presented by the Kelowna Yacht Club’s powerboat fleet – with the participation of club volunteers who guide the attendees out to Lake Okanagan – the event is devised to bring together the local blind community with the boating community of the Kelowna Yacht Club and offer a great morning on the water.
“One development of the fishing derby was last year (2018) when we reached out to The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and it turned out to be our largest fishing derby to date,” said Nicole Kiatipis, club coordinator of the Kelowna Yacht Club. “However, the most important aspect of the event is getting the visually-impaired involved. Even if they don’t want to fish, they can still come out and enjoy the water. Our volunteers offer narrated boat trips around the lake so they can enjoy a whole other experience as well.”
In fact, the event, which is organized by the club’s Power Fleet Committee, attracted an impressive 40 attendees in 2018. What was more impressive was nearly twice as many people volunteered their time, expertise, boats, and in some cases, their fishing equipment to make the day much more enjoyable.
For 2019, the event is scheduled for Saturday, July 20 along the Commodore’s Dock and is expected to kick-off at 8:30 a.m. when attendees, guides and volunteers will meet over coffee and a light breakfast before hitting the open water at 9:30 a.m. The boats are expected to return at 11:45 a.m. to discuss their morning and enjoy lunch served by The Kelowna Yacht Club. The winners will then be presented with a fishing trophy (and their names will also be engraved on the main trophy on display at the Kelowna Yacht Club). Many other prizes will also be handed out.
“Basically, those interested in coming to the event just need to bring themselves,” said Kiatipis. “Some always bring their own gear but if they don’t, we will supply it for them. Plus, anyone who wants to reach out to us and participate for this year’s event is certainly welcome. We never say no.”
Located at 1370 Water Street in Kelowna, The Kelowna Yacht Club will have a representative present at the gate for access. For more information about the event or to volunteer visit www.kelownayachtclub.com or contact (250) 762-3310.