Lake Ontario Offshore Racing (LOOR) News: A Strong Finish and a Look Ahead to 2027

Temerity II, a C&C 99 out of BPYC and owned/skippered by Peter Vetter

September 24, 2026

By Julie King & Zack Reid

The LOOR racing season is officially over, with LOSHRS Races 5 and 6 now complete.

The final weekend saw sailors race across the lake at a fast pace in lively waves and strong winds, then head back the next day in similar conditions — until the wind shut down and the race became a game of patience.

Saturday’s race saw 35 boats competing in true wind speeds that averaged 14 knots and peaked at just under 22 knots.

Known as a “destination race,” the fun continued later that afternoon at DYC, with a rum pour sponsored by Mount Gay and Will French of CHK Real Estate, and great conversations, followed by a fantastic dinner and breakfast the next day.

Winds for the Sunday race back to PCYC started out strong, peaking at 21 knots, with racers completing most of the course before encountering light winds under 4 knots mid-afternoon. With a 3.6-knot current from earlier east winds, the last push in varying light winds was a challenge, but 22 boats saw it through to complete the race.

Trophies for the LO300, Susan Hood and LOSHRS will be given out at the upcoming Awards banquet at PCYC on Friday, November 13. Information on the menu and how to order tickets will be available soon on the LOOR.ca website.

As one season ends, another begins and LOOR is excited to announce the 2027 race dates. The committee adjusted the date of the 100-mile race for the coming year to give racers the opportunity to compete in both this race and the race to Kingston hosted by Mimico Cruising Club.

Dates for the upcoming 2027 Lake Ontario race season are:

  • Susan Hood Trophy Race — June 4
  • Short-Handed Racing Series – Race 1 — June 6
  • Short-Handed Racing Series – Race 2 — June 26
  • Short-Handed Racing Series – Race 3 — June 27
  • Lake Ontario 300 | 600 Challenge — July 10
  • Short-Handed Racing Series – Race 4 — August 21
  • Short-Handed Racing Series – Race 5 — September 18
  • Short-Handed Racing Series – Race 6 — September 19

Racers are encouraged to check the loor.ca website off-season for updates about education sessions and events.

This season on the water has created long-lasting memories and stories for the racers who came out to brave distance racing on Lake Ontario.

Byline

Julie runs an AI software company, has worked as a journalist, and is a lifelong sailor who recently discovered the excitement of distance racing. Zachary is a marketing professional, lifelong sailor, and experienced distance racer. Both Zack and Julie volunteer on the Lake Ontario Offshore Racing (LOOR) committee and can be reached through info@loor.ca.

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