9:57 AM Tue 12 Jan 2010 GMT
2009 was another successful season for the Albacore fleet. There was strong participation at all levels, from the Internationals held in Largs, Scotland to local regattas, to the weekly club series in Toronto. Some highlights are detailed below.
North Americans
The first major Championship held in Canada was the North Americans on June 13-14 at the Royal Canadian Yacht club. Racing took place on Lake Ontario south of Toronto Island and light and shifty winds proved challenging for the 50 boats that competed. A total of 4 races were run which allowed for no drops. Sarah Bury and John Hudson from the St. Jamestown sailing club raced consistently well and won the championship with 13 points.
Internationals
The Internationals, held once every two years were run July 18-24 in Largs, Scotland. 53 boats attended, including 9 sailors from Canada. 14 races were run over 6 days with the championship undecided until the last day. Barney Harris and David Byron from the Pontomac River Sailing Assocation ultimately claimed the International Championship, the first time a North American has won an Albacore Internationals in the United Kingdom.
East Coast Championships
The East Coast Championships followed on August 21-22 at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht club. A recent addition to the Albacore race schedule, this was the second year the event has been run. The regatta began in east coast style with a practice race signaled by 4 people in uniform firing 19th century muskets. This lead into 5 races on the Saturday in 8 to 15 knots of wind. Unfortunately, racing had to be cancelled on August 22nd because of Hurricane Bill. A total of 18 boats raced; 15 local and 3 from the Toronto area. Henry Pedro and Anna Sepko of the Westwood Sailing Club won the championship.
Ontario Championships
The following weekend, the Ontario Championships were hosted by the Buffalo Canoe club on August 29-30. 33 boats attended the 2 day event. Lake Erie delivered with winds beginning relatively light each day but building to 20-25 knots with 4-6' waves, particularly as the boats reached out of the more sheltered bay on the to the gybe mark. There were numerous capsizes and with damage including a bent mast and sheared gooseneck. After 6 races, the Ontario Championships were won by Allan Measor and Richard Piercy of the St. Jamestown sailing club, their first major regatta win.
Canadian Championships
Three weeks later, the Canadian Championships were held at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club from September 18-20. 37 boats raced in the Championship fleet. These were joined by an additional 12 boats on the Saturday and Sunday racing in the Challenger fleet. After 10 races, the Championship fleet was won by Barney Harris and David Byron from the Pontomac River Sailing Assocation. Almir Tavares and Christine Kelly from the Mooredale sailing club won the Challenger fleet.
Toronto Weekly Friday Night Series
In the Toronto area, the hotly contested Friday night series ran from May to September and drew an average of 43 boats, with a peak of 61 boats on June 5th. 78 helms and 170 crews competed for the club series. Barrie Farrell from the Mooredale Sailing club won top helm and Debora Staiman, also from Mooredale won top crew. Geoff Moore from North Sails won amongst the private boats. The St. Jamestown sailing club was the top club for the second year running.
2010
This upcoming season again promises a very active schedule with big fleets. From mid-June to late September, every weekend except perhaps one has a regatta or Harbour Master scheduled. The Toronto Friday night series will once again be every Friday from early May to early September and is expected to draw an average of 40+ boats from multiple clubs.
Everyone is itching to get on the water. The first event will be the Mid Winters in Sarasota Florida on March 20-22 and is sure to see a contingent of Canadian Albacore sailors making the 24 hour drive. For those who can't wait, consider dropping by our booth (1530) at the Toronto International Boat show, which runs until Sunday January 17th.
And, of course don't forget the Internationals, which will be in Toronto in 2011.
Ken Yamazaki
Second Vice Commodore, Canadian Albacore Association
www.albacore.ca
by Ken Yamazaki
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Manly, QLD
