ICEBREAKER REGATTA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Low Temps Didn't Stop These Sailors
The annual regatta, which kicks off the May long weekend around here, took place this past weekend with chilly temperatures and overcast skies. While conditions were less than favourable, sailors were excited and eager to race.
North Sails Toronto was happy to support the annual event, which marked its 50th year in action this year! A great accomplishment for the organizing committee and sailors alike.
Read the full recap from the organizers below:
Many sailing notables were here today to celebrate the 50th year of the Icebreaker. All of them could recall stories about how young they were when they did it. A full complement of Olympians were present on Saturday to show encouragement for sailing. Rod Davies sailed Laser, Richard Clark Volvo and Hobart racer represented Canada in Finn class. Tommy Wharton, Olympic coach for Lasers, Ken Dool, presently coach for Olympic Sailing and five Olympics, Thomas Fogh, National Team sailor, and now coach and Mike Milner, executive director of High Performance Sail, Canada debriefed after racing.
A great thank you for the years of support in all your capacities and for encouraging youth sailing.
The first day of racing started promptly at 11:00 a.m. with light breeze at 7 – 10 knots switching from 105 degrees to 85 degrees with persistent right bend making a favoured tack for all the day. Lasers, Radials and 4.7’s got 4 races off. Two generals for the Radial fleet.
2.4’s and 29ers got 11 races in and comments made were complimentary of race committee with speedy turnarounds. Conditions were overcast for entire day with low chop.
On the second day of the regatta there was good breeze at 90 degrees with little variation. Only one change of course at the 29ers course mid race. EYC race committee were on the ball. Wind shifts to right in last race allowed for lucky boats to gain some places. Heavier air benefited the weightier sailors at 10 to 15 knots. Despite a few capsizes a local sailor stayed sailing all the races. She looks promising because of her grit and getting very good starts.
A special thanks to all of the clubs who came from a great distance to compete on the long weekend including teams representing, Royal St Lawrence Yacht Club, Club de Voile Deux-Montagnes, and Britannia Yacht Club to name only a few.
Get ready for racing season with your local experts at North Sails. Contact your sailmaker today!