TELUS Van Isle 360 Yacht Race Gives Back

Paul Tingley isn't in London to "defend" his Paralympic Games sailing title. Make no mistake about it – the 42-year-old from Halifax believes he's more than capable of repeating as the champion of the 2.4mR class he mastered in 2008 in Beijing. He's done everything possible to get ready for his fourth Paralympic competition, including training with Swedish coach Stellan Berlin in waters off the English coast to prepare himself for the conditions he'll face in the days to come. But defence doesn't seem to be in the playbook of the sailor nicknamed The Gambler in some circles for his penchant for taking risks – many of which tend to pay off in a big way.

Preparations for the 2011 Lake Ontario 300 are well underway as boats continue to register for this challenging and exciting race. Last year the fleet was hit with severe storms early on forcing many to retire. Most of these boats are returning this year to complete the course and 'deal with unfinished business'.

The race begins on Saturday July 16th and the participants will race in a range of categories including, single handed, double handed and fully crewed divisions. Boats competing vary from fast, sleek 40 foot sleds to more traditional racer-cruisers and multi-hulls.

Organizers of the Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race are pleased to announce TELUS as the new title sponsor of the 2011 event. The eighth edition of the race, which is now named the TELUS Van Isle 360, will take place from June 4 – 18. "We are very excited to welcome TELUS aboard", says Janine Bell, event manager, “and are looking forward to working with TELUS to ensure the best race to date."

With fairly consistent easterly winds ranging from 4 to 12 kts, the International 2.4mR North American Championships finished today at The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Hamilton, Ontario. Oscillating shifts kept the sailors busy especially in the third race when the wind produced 12 kt gusts.

The second race brought out the black flag by CRO Anne Sanderson and the fleet fell quickly into line.

Barbados is the official title sponsor of the 2011 Beneteau First 36.7 North American Championship in Toronto, Ontario. This year’s race, from September 8 to 11, marks the 10th anniversary of this North American Class Regatta event and is the first time it will be held in Canadian waters. The weekend will host multiple sailing races over four days and on-shore events including an evening celebration at the National Yacht Club on Friday, September 9, 2011 featuring Barbadian entertainment and a themed menu from the Caribbean’s first and only Zagat rated island.

'It is our distinct pleasure to partner with the National Yacht Club for the 2011 Beneteau championship,' said Cheryl Carter, Senior Business Development Manager for the Barbados Tourism Authority.