Sign-Ups Begin for Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race

The 2011 J/105 Canadian Championship, the premier racing event of the J/105 Fleet 4 season was awarded to Dave Shaver's Retern, also winner of the 2007 edition. This year's Championship war flag was well earned in one of the closest events for the season. Second place went to Jamaica Me Crazy, last year's winner whilst third place went to Hey Jude.

The three day event was the perfect test for J/105 sailing out of Toronto, with variable wind conditions from moderate (Friday and Sunday) to high waves Saturday, current and oscillating wind directions, testing sailing and strategy of all the top crews.

Every year for one glorious week in January, sailors from all over the world gather in the laid back town of Florida's Key West. This year the event was host to 260 boats from 18 different countries. There were 16 fleets in total, eight of which were one design fleets with the likes of Farr 40's, Mumm 30's and the largest fleet in the regatta Melges 24's competing. The other classes were the Melges 32, J/105, J/80, Swan 42, and the Corsair 28R. There was also a large number of handicapped racing, as well PHRF fleets 1 through 6 and the IRC 1 and 2 had some fierce competition.

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”.

The Chicago Yacht Club's 103rd Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot—Hearing that it’s windy and rainy is one thing. Hearing that water is vaporizing all around you is a completely different tale of horror.

Tim Prophit, owner and co-skipper of Fast Tango, an North American 40 out of the Bayview Yacht Club, and his crew have seen the other side. In fact, their descriptions of the 'strobing' lightning and 'white water everywhere' are on an entirely different level than anything that racing sailors in North America have seen in many, many decades.

Nine teams complete for coveted York/Stolz Cup Match Race held at RCYC August 6-7 on the waters of Toronto Harbour.

Held in Sonars, these nine teams from Canada and the US completed a full round robin of 36 races on Saturday August 6th. Event organizer David Jarvis, provided excellent racing, equipment, and hospitality with Chris Cook rounding out the team as the Principal Race Officer.

Moving into Sunday Peter Wickwire lead the group with a flawless 8 wins, followed by Steve Lowry, and then a three way tie for third with Terry McLaughlin, Magnus Sandberg,