Georgian Bay Regatta 2013 A Success

Georgian Bay Regatta 2013

The Georgian Bay Regatta kicked off it’s annual week of daily racing on Georgian Bay at the Georgian Yacht Club in Owen Sound on Sunday July . After the official registration at the club the participants all attended the Welcome Dinner at the Owen Sound Legion.

The initial race on Monday started out with light winds and some light rain. As we reached the mouth of Owen Sound the winds built to about 10 knots and the reach to White Cloud Island took about 3 more hours and anchored in Little Port Elgin Bay for the annual Rafting Party.

Tuesday was another slow start in light winds heading north. As we rounded Cape Croker the winds dropped off to almost nothing for about 2 hours. Passing Barrier Island the wind built from the north to 10 knots and a great finish off Lions Head Point.

The Wednesday race was a great combination of  sailing strategies. The winds were light for most of the day. Leaving Lions Head the fleet needed to decide how to go around Jackson Shoal on way to  Surprise Shoal, then turn south to the finish line in Hope Bay. Several rafting parties were formed that lasted into the evening.

Thursday saw the longest of the distance races from Hope Bay, around Cape Croker and south into Colpoys Bay to a finish at Wiarton Harbour.  A great use of various racing skills with a steady 10 to 15 knot west wind for most of the race.

Friday was our Course Races day. The morning race was shortened event from Wiarton to the north side of White Cloud Island due to the light winds. The afternoon race was much more exiting circling Hay Island. Starting with a light 5 knot breeze the race finished in a heavy rain and 15 to 18 knot winds as we all crossed the finish line around 1500 hours. As the skies cleared and the winds dropped we anchored in Little Port Elgin Bay for the night.

The final race of the regatta on Saturday  started at the southwest corner of White Cloud Island and headed out across the the mouth of Owen Sound. Staying clear of the Tank Range we headed into Meaford.

The Georgian Bay Regatta concluded on Saturday evening with the Annual General Meeting of the Georgian Bay Sailing Association and the Awards Dinner in Meaford Harbour.

Another successful GBR enjoyed be everyone!!
Thanks to Peter Hayden for the update and Jamie Powell  and Dylan Henry for the photographs.


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