THE CHESTER International One Design NORTH AMERICANS

August 29th – August 31st 2014

The first North Americans IOD competition to be hosted by the Chester IOD fleet took place on August 29th – August 31st in Mahone Bay and the harbour of Chester, Nova Scotia. Eight teams came from the IOD fleets across the United States and Bermuda with representatives from North East Harbour, Marblehead, Nantucket, Fishers Island, San Francisco, Bermuda and the host fleet of Chester.  The Chester Fleet of IOD’s range from the original 77 year old Norwegian built  Aileen, to the 2010 New England built fibreglass Bella.

The boat draw took place at the skippers’ meeting at the Chester Yacht Club on Friday morning prior to racing. In this competition the skippers and crews get a different boat every day during the three-day regatta to address the perception that one boat is better than another. The first day of racing saw heavy winds of 15 – 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots. These conditions restricted racing to the inner harbour of Chester where the seas were flatter. This also made it easier to set courses and reduce strain on these beautiful wooden boats. Race Officer Jay Hooper wisely instructed against the use of spinnakers for the day.  The former IOD World Class champion team of Peter Rugg and John Burnham from Fisher’s Island got off to a great start and the Nantucket team headed by Bobby Constable set the tone for the three days of racing despite valiant efforts from the Bermuda team and the other Nantucket team.

The final outcome was that Bobby Constable won the regatta beating the John Burnham and Peter Rugg team by only 1 point. There was indeed great racing from both these teams during the regatta. Third palace was a tie between Peter McCausland of Nantucket and Craig Davis of Bermuda.

Great weather, exciting one design racing meant an excellent event for participants and organizers.

Photo Credit: Pat Nelder
Day 2 Leeward leg
Foreground: John Burnham and Peter Rugg Team from Fishers Island aboard #4 Aileen
Mid fleet: Peter McCausland Team from Nantucket aboard #7 Elida
On the right: Bobby Constable team from Nantucket aboard #1 Mighty Mo