Race Week

This week is Chester Race Week, and next week …….the Paralympics Games! Sail-World met up with Olympic Gold medalist, Paul Tingley, on the docks of Chester Yacht Club as he was getting ready to participate in Chester Race Week. Sail-World: How many times have you competed at Chester Race Week?

Heading into the last day here at Chester Race Week, there are some very exciting races for first place in both Distance Divisions and the Bravo 1 Division. Yesterday’s weather brought in cloud and sun, but very light winds, which some of the fleet found to be very challenging. However, the leaders always seem to rise to the top. Results heading in the final day of racing have many boats vying neck and neck for trophies and bragging rights.

Chester Race Week made a special announcement to the racers amassed in front of the Chester Yacht Club during the post race debriefing; competing in this year’s regatta were 10 Olympians and one Olympic coach. A loud yell of support and recognition was given by the competitors as the Olympians had their pictures taken in front of CYC. Many of the Olympians were at Chester organizing this big event and many were out there competing.

The 1976 Olympic Soling Team of Andreas Josenhans, Glen Dexter, and Sandy Macmillan, were well represented with Andreas as the Principal Race Officer, Sandy racing on Brilliance (J120), and Glen racing on Odyssey (Swan 57).

Day 2 at Chester Race week saw a nice 10-15 knot breeze in the morning and early afternoon. By the middle of the afternoon, a typical Nova Scotia weather system moved into place with fierce wind and torrential rain. However, the sailors took it all in stride and “weathered” the storm, albeit, coming into the clubhouse a little wet. Most race courses were able to get in at least one race and some three.

This regatta, brings generations of sailors and families together for the week. It is not uncommon to see 2 or 2 generations of sailors on the same boat with junior taking the helm.

Chester, Nova Scotia is once again home to the famous Chester Race Week, being held August 15-18. This race has been in existence for over 100 years, starting originally with fishermen’s sailboats. This year’s registrations are at a healthy 143 boats with the addition of another race course. In sailing circles Chester Race Week is one of the great regattas, full on racing, great parties and the prettiest scenery anywhere! Race Chairman John Curry opened the regatta proclaiming the early morning fog would clear and sure to his word the skies turned blue and a great day of racing took place. ”Conditions couldn’t have been better” said Curry who was on the alpha course, “after a very short delay a fresh southerly breeze came in and delivered a full day of racing”.

We had stronger winds today at 20-25 knots from the SW. Perfect sailing conditions. There was even a little sun :) The courses further from shore have quite large waves in the afternoon as the current from the tide was opposing the wind direction. This made from some fantastic rides for the 470, Finn and Star racing. Tomorrow should be back to the typical 10-15 knot range with possible gusts to 18. The Laser and Radial fleets had a day off today.

CORK/Sail Kingston has been selected to host the 2013 Laser, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 North American Championships, July 24-28, 2013. The Laser, a Canadian designed dinghy, is the largest dinghy class in the world, with more than 200,000 boats built. Furthermore, both the men’s Laser and the women’s Laser Radial are Olympic class events. The event will attract sailors from all over North America, from youth participants in the Radial and 4.7 to members of the Canadian National Sailing Team. The event is also open to competitors from outside North America.

It's been a long time since Doug Hood, a member of the Port Credit Yacht Club in Mississauga (although Mississauga didn't even exist back then...) offered to dedicate a trophy for an offshore race rating based on a new rating. The year was 1955 and the trophy was named after his baby daughter Susan; the Susan Hood Trophy Race was born. Susan was at PCYC yesterday for a short visit and actually participated not too long ago.

Many of the trophies associated with this great event are older than the yachts and racers who line up on the start line; that is the beauty of sail boat racing.

As a now Honorary but long term member of ABYC, Patrick Lymburner was asked to say something about Jack Cameron, at the christening of the new mark/pin boat named in his honour. Pat was quick to point it that, 'It is not hard to think of the many whose lives were touched by this man, as his contribution to the Sport of Sailing is legendary.'

Jack was an International Judge whose career spanned many years and many World Championships. He was known for his great understanding of the rules and for his strict adherence to proper procedure.

The Canadian Yachting Association is pleased to announce the following Olympic and Paralympic sailors who will be nominated to the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee for inclusion on the 2012 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic team. The formal announcement took place at the Weymouth & Portland International Sailing Academy, home of the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Sailing venue.