QUEBEC SAILING MÉRITES 2009 AWARDS

The Quebec Sailing Federation nominating committee has just announced this year’s selected nominees, and amongst them are several HYC members:

André-Dionne Trophy (Volunteer of the Year) - Roy Folland
To recognize a member who has contributed to the betterment of sailing in Quebec.

Club/Sailing School of the Year - Hudson Yacht Club
To recognize excellence in all programs organized by a club or a sailing school (training, racing, cruising or special event).

"Optimist" Athlete - Justin Vitteqoc
To recognize a Quebec "Optimist" sailor who has demonstrated exceptional results and/or improvements within the last sailing season.

EVERT BASTET Trophy - Lauren Laventure
Must have a record of outstanding achievement in national and/or international competition in the previous twelve months.

Congratulations and good luck to all nominees!

The FVQ's Annual Awards presentation will be held following the Annual General Meeting at the Gala which will take place on October 24th, 2009 at:
École primaire Marguerite Bourgeoys
3, rue Ste-Anne,
Pointe-Claire, Québec, H9S 4P6

For the full listing of the awards and all nominees please consult the FVQ Web site at www.voile.qc.ca

Canadian J/24 Championship

Hudson Yacht Club and its dedicated volunteers hosted the Canadian J/24 Championship, September 17 – 20th, and it was a deemed a huge success by the participants!

Thanks to our many kind sponsors, HYC welcomed sailors from all over Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, with generous hospitality and terrific give-aways! Registration included breakfasts, lunches and a tote bag loaded with tuques, USB keys (to be loaded with regatta photos), duct tape, tools, rope, sunscreen, beer tickets and more!

On Thursday, after a busy day of registration, measurement and launching, the crews were welcomed with a delicious chicken and ribs dinner from Village Churrasco, and lively entertainment by popular local band, The Moonlights. An impromptu performance of French ditties by the BayGull crew capped this very fun evening!

Friday’s racing proved quite challenging for the fleet, as winds increased throughout the day, gusting up to 27 knots by mid-afternoon. Our highly-qualified Race Committee executed four races, while keeping a watchful eye on the hard-working crews. Several boats suffered considerable damage, including Nepean’s Blue J, whose mast broke during an upwind leg. Gorillas in the Mist, from Halifax, suffered a twisted keel after going aground in a valiant effort to assist a Laser sailor in distress, far off the course. Luckily, no one was hurt under these trying conditions, though our very own Hypnautic did lose one man overboard. After several rescue attempts in the choppy waves the young sailor was rescued and was more upset with losing his new regatta tuque than finding himself in the frigid waters! The winner of the first day’s racing was Navtech, from Quebec City, and was presented with the Western District Trophy and a pair of Sperry Topsiders for each crew member! An impromptu Friday evening of go-carting continued to hone the competitive spirit, for those who still had any energy left…

Whereas Friday challenged the body, Saturday racing challenged the brain. Three races were held in light, oscillating, frustrating winds, but lots of sunshine. Drivers Wanted, from Toronto, was the day’s winner, and also won Sperry Topsiders! This was followed by a Saturday evening dinner at the historic Willow Place Inn, where sailors experienced local charm and delicious cuisine.

Sunday’s conditions were perfect with steady winds averaging 10 knots under sunny skies. Two races were held, and so with admirable proficiency the Race Committee’s goal of 9 challenging races was handily met!

Sailors appreciated the tough competition, as 16 boats vied for top finishes. After an exciting weekend of great racing, the first place boat was Drivers Wanted, Port Credit Yacht Club. This top team was also presented with the Gerald Long Memorial Trophy for Top Canadian boat and the Bacardi Cup for the Canadian Championship Winner. Right behind, in second place, was Navtech, Quebec City. In third position was Sticky Fingers from Halifax. Full results can be viewed at: http://www.sail123.com/j242009.htm

Following the prize-giving, a raffle was held for another 20 pair of Sperry Topsiders, or winners could choose from a table laden with gifts from Quantum, Fogh Marine and the Boathouse. Crews were also presented with a package of terrific glossy photos from May’s Studio.

The Committee had made the difficult decision to postpone this June regatta to September, but this turned out to be an excellent move! We had four days of challenging sailing and great weather, with over 75 sailors in attendance (and all quite well-behaved!J)

The Regatta Committee would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the terrific HYC volunteers and generous sponsors who helped make the Canadian J/24 Championship a great success!!

Marian Kuiper

Fall Sailors Meeting - Wednesday October 21

With the season drawing to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on our sailing activities this year. To help ensure we continue to provide an exciting program for all our members, the Sailing Directors would very much like to have your feedback.

To that end we invite you to join us in the bar at HYC next Wednesday evening at 7:30pm.

Hope to see you all there.

John, Bernard, Marian and Jean-Luc

Book Your Haul Out Appoitments Now!

Although the last day for haul out is Friday, October 30th, it is imperative that you call the Club office to make your appointment BEFORE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH.

We can only haul out 8 boats per day and with the number of days left before October 30th, it will be difficult for us to accommodate all boat owners.

Please call the Club office at 450-458-5326.

Many thanks,

Margaret

Pumpkin Race and Captain's Broom - Saturday October 17

Pumpkin Race

This coming Saturday there will be fun for kids of all ages at HYC.
We will start with the Pumpkin Race in the morning, always a family favorite. This will be a simple race except for catchin' the pumpkins of course.

And no you don't have to build your own boat like our friend above, plus I think this might be a rule 42 infraction, but there are a few twists. Here is the gist of the extra rules...

After starting and before finishing a boat must pick up at least 1 pumpkin by any method provided all crewmembers remain onboard. After the finish bring your catch into the club and enjoy some lunch while the results are calculated. Each boat's corrected time will be adjusted according to their haul of pumpkins and there will be some mystery prizes too.

To help rebuild our strength for the afternoon, there will be a bowl of chilli for lunch prepared for us all by Femke and Jenny. Thanks Girls!

So after a chance to warm up beside the fire and perhaps a crew change you will be ready for the Captain's Broom. What are we doing this year?

Well something fun and a little different of course, and given that we are coming into the Halloween season, a little mysterious too because you'll have to come down and join in to find out what.

For the kids who want to stay ashore during the afternoon we will have some fun and games and a movie for you to watch too.

I hope you can join us for the day with your family, friends and crews. Please let us know of your intention to race by reply or by registering with the Club office.

Pumpkin Race Skippers Meeting - 09:30 Warning Signal - 10:30
Captain's Broom Skippers Meeting - 13:00 Warning Signal - 14:00

Frostbite Series

Even though the season is drawing to a close, quite a number of you have enthusiastically expressed interest in taking advantage of the sailing time left to us.

So following on from the fun many of had this time last year, we will run a Frostbite Series on the next 3 Sundays.

This will be for the pure joy of sailing hopefully in bracing air and strong winds. The race will be run on an honour system, with no race committee. The race will start at 10:30am. There will be a single start on a line between a buoy and the T-pier. Bernard will coordinate the start on the water, so stay close, but not too close, to Sprinbok to hear the sound signals. The course will make use of the SLVYRA marks laid at Quarry Point, Pig Island and Robidoux Island. Each boat will record it’s own finish time.

So, break out those toques, gloves and thermos flask and we'll see you on the water.

Senior Sailing Awards - Friday October 30, 2009

Awards Dinner - Friday October 30th

We are also please to advise you that the date of the Awards Dinnerhas changed to Friday October 30th. This will help those of us with young sailors to share Halloween together as well as celebrate the past season.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Sailors Awards Dinner to congratulate the recipients and remind you to contact the office to reserve your tickets.

Senior Sailors Awards Nominations

There is no better recognition that that of your peers. With this spirit in mind, I invite you to provide nominations for the awards listed below.You should include with your suggestions some insight and justification as to why you feel the individual or group is worthy of the honour.
To assist you in framing your nominations I have included the terms of the deed of gift for each award for your reference. Nominations should be returned to me via e-mail to sailing@hudsonyachtclub.com by October 12th for consideration by the Sailing Directors.

Roberton Bell
To be awarded to the individual or group who best exemplify the true spirit of HYC sailing through competitiveness, integrity, fair play and sportsmanship, or by making an outstanding contribution to the sailing community of Hudson Yacht Club

FVQ Trophy
This trophy shall be presented annually to a member of the Club in recognition of his/her extraordinary contribution to sailing over the past year. Therefore, it may be remitted to a racer, a volunteer, an official, a cruiser, a benefactor, and organizer or any other individual that the Club wishes to honour.

Crew Trophy
This trophy shall be presented annually to an individual or group that through their regular participation within a yacht’s crew have demonstrated their teamwork, dedication, commitment and sportsmanship over the course of the past season.

HYC at Etchells North Americans

by Paul Laflamme

Marvin Beckmann from the USA won the hotly contested Etchells North Americans held from September 16th to the 19th of September. 35 entries from the USA (Texas, Fla, Mich, Mass to name a few), Canada (Mtl, Tor, Halifax) and Australia visited the club for the past four days and were thrilled to call RCYC home over the past few days.

The RCYC has a long association with the Etchells fleet. Dirk Kneulman is the current boat builder in North America, and it was great to see Past Commodore Gordon Norton who owned the very first Etchells in Canada come to the opening ceremonies. In fact it seemed every member who stood up to speak to the fleet at the various functions had a story to tell about their Etchells sailing. The current Commodore George Meadows regaled us with his stories of the Etchells.

5 races were held over 3 days. Day one saw light winds and bumpy seas from the East which called for patience and concentration powering these boats through the chop. Day 2 saw Big breeze from the North. 18-25 knots were recorded from the RC boat. Unfortunately, day 3 saw little to no wind and after waiting patiently for close to three hours racing was abandoned by the Race committee.

HYC was represented by 2 boats, Slim with Alan Gray as skipper and crew Jean Racatte and Matt Skafel who finished 20th and Still Lostboys with skipper Paul Laflamme and crew members Debbie Hodgson and Mark Perry, who finished 31st. Also representing the region was PCYC's Keith Mathews and crew who finished 22nd. The competition was very strong with former Olympians, America's Cup, past North American and World Champion sailors filling the ranks.

The RCYC put on a great show for us, on and off the water everything was well organized and timely. The food and hospitality was second only to that offered by HYC. If you ever have a chance to go to RCYC and sail the area you are in for a treat. The RCYC facilities are fabulous and the views of the Toronto skyline are nothing short of spectacular. The sailing is pretty awesome as well. If you have never gone to an outside regatta you should try it. You will meet great people, learn a lot, have fun and it will also remind you of what a special yacht club we have hear at HYC.

HYC Teams Win at Quebec Dinghy Championships

The members of the HYC Race Teams closed out an outstanding regular season recently at the Quebec Provisional Championships. Having participated through the summer in a series of regattas in the Ciruit du Quebec (TRY, CVL, FruitBowl) as well as CORK, here are the results from Quebec Championships held at Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club September 11-13, 2009.

Optimist Overall (29 entries)
3rd Justin Vittecoq (1st White)
11th Coralie Vittecoq (3rd Blue)
17th Thomas Cote (6th Blue)

Optimist Green (16 entries)
2nd Chantal Bourque
4th Mathew Kondejewski
7th Jack Marten

420 (11 entries)
1st Arthur Olivenstein / Matthew Grant
2nd Jack Neilson / Fred Neilson

Congratulations!

Review of the Thomson Long Distance Race

Background

Originally established in 1966 by the then Commodore Arthur Thomson, the Thomson Long Distance Race has become one on the most prestigious events within the HYC sailing calendar. Like so many long standing races over the years it has evolved, acquired many traditions and developed its fair share of controversy.

Current Issue - Who should compete

In recent years with the development of more specialized racing boats a lot of debate has centered on who may participate in the race itself. This has created a lot of confusion and become an emotional topic amongst our members. As a result the sailing committee has spent considerable time over this season to clarify the situation. To do so we have consulted with the Thomson family with regard to the original intent outlined in the deed of gift, our own sailing community to capture the traditions of the event, and SLVYRA our regional handicapping authority to define classes of boats.

Thomson Family View

We understand from Andy Thomson, Arthur’s son, that the race was originally established in response to the predominance of the centerboard fleet within racing at that time. His father wanted to ensure that these dinghy type boats such as Y-flyers, GP14s, and Lightnings would not be able to compete in a race against the growing cruising fleet of Sharks and Tanzer 22's etc. His father’s intent was to exclude centerboard boats and as such he feels it would be appropriate for all keelboats to compete in the race.

Established Tradition

The tradition reflected by many of our membership is that the race should be limited to cruising boats and exclude high performance racing boats. Indeed the original deed of gift states that it is open only to “boats with cruising facilities”. However no definition was provided nor has a clear consensus been reached upon which to classify a boat that wouldn’t exclude almost every boat in the harbour in some way.

Defining a Cruising Boat

SLVYRA governs for our region the PHRF rating system designed for keel boat racing. PHRF ratings for cruiser-racer boats are based on the concept of a “Standard Boat” the definition of which includes that it is production boat built to a single design, has a ballasted keel, is equipped with an engine propeller and fuel tanks, and has inside fittings and equipment as intended by the manufacturer. These fittings and equipment may include all or part of the following: head, sinks, stoves, icebox, navigation desk, berths, lockers, shelves, drawers, table, doors, curtains, instruments, domestic water, plumbing, wiring, fuel and water tanks, etc. SLVYRA also defines “Bare Boats” such as the Soling, Star, Dragon, Etchells, Six Meter etc which by the intent of the manufacturer are devoid of much of the equipment described in the definition of a standard boat. This is also the case for sports boats (Melges 24, J80) and day sailors (Rhodes 19, O Day 23). As such bare boats, sports boats and day sailors do not fit within the widely held view of a cruising boat.

Determination

Having carefully listened to all parties the following determination has been made and shall apply to future Thomson Long Distance Races:

1. Participation in the Thomson Long Distance Race is open to all keelboats with a valid SLVYRA handicap.
2. The Thomson Trophy shall be awarded to the 1st boat finishing on corrected time conforming to the SLVYRA definition of a standard cruiser- racer sailboat.
3. A new award shall be established for the 1st boat finishing on corrected time irrespective of class
4. All previously winners of the Thomson Trophy shall stand.
5. The Club Captain, Senior Sailing Director and Club Measurer shall review on an annual basis the fleet of keelboats at HYC and determine which class of boats shall be defined as non cruising boats.
6. The current list of non cruising boats within the HYC fleet comprises: Etchells, Formula 21, Grampion 22, Independent 21, J22, Rhodes 19

Conclusion

It is intended that these revisions is to formally clarify the situation for all involved and create an inclusive event that maintains the traditions established for the Thompson Long Distance Race. A copy of this review will be placed in the archives for future reference and in conjunction with the deed of gift will be used in the creation of sailing instructions for the race.

Ron Harris and Jazz win Club Championship

With fickle winds delaying the proceedings only the wild card race was completed on Saturday. In the sudden death, winner takes all race it was Ross Tellier (Red Coat) that won through over Chris Campbell (Shigawac) and Scott Lawrence (Quill). But it was the wind, not the competitors, that died shortly after. By 2pm “N over A” was flying from Hy Seas and we called it a day without getting any further races off.

Thankfully on Sunday the breeze came up enabling Pat Patterson and the Race Committee crew to set all 5 races for the championship series.

As the series progressed the results stayed tight with Allan Gray (Slim), Ron Harris (Jazz) and then Evert Bastet each winning successive races.

The event not only tests the ability of the helm, but also the skill of each team is tested by the need to adapt to different boats as crews changed boats between races. This also proved to be a test of their agility, as Ross took an early bath stepping neatly of the side of one Tanzer, straight into the water!

By the end of race 4 and a discard coming into play, the calculators were out as 2 points separated the top 3 teams. However, with strategies devised, immediately after the gun the game changed. Jean-Luc Gosselin (Will-O-Wind) retied and Allan struggled to gain boat speed and position off the line.

Soon a dog fit was to develop between Ron and Evert with the lead changing several times over the first lap. At the leeward mark the boats were overlapped again. Evert had the inside berth, but Ron was able to make a sharp mark rounding to take the windward advantage. Going back up wind a taking dual ensued enabling the gap to open up slightly but it remained tight to the finish.

At the gun less that 4 boat lengths separated the teams. In what proved to be a thrilling end to our regular season Ron Harris and the crew of Jazz, Pete Amos, John Marten and Michelle Jutras took the honours in this year’s Club Championship.

Congratulations to all the competitors and our thanks to the owners of the boats Ken Barrieau (Charisma), Ron Metcalfe (Haida), Mike Laventure (Knot a Clew), Daryl Seaman (Tumbleweed), and Ken Hodgson (Sloup du Jour) for their generosity in providing their Tanzers for the event.

Final results:

Race Teams go Olympic at CORK

The 2009 sailing season ended on a good note with both race teams,Optimist and 420, returning from the Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston (CORK), having represented Hudson Yacht Club extremely well.

The 420 Race Team, a program new to the Junior Sailing program, was met with a strong fleet of over 80 420s in Kingston. After two days of round robin qualifiers, two Hudson boats made the gold fleet and the third raced silver fleet, narrowly missing the cut. With 40 420s on each line, the starts were busy and getting off in the first row and with clean air was a feat. They didn’t get the wind that Kingston is known for but after four days of racing, James and Andrew Gillis finished 22nd overall in gold fleet having sailed consistently with only the odd sibling disagreement. Arthur Olivenstein and Fred Neilson, who just made the gold fleet, advanced in the rankings finally finishing 30th overall.

In the silver fleet, Willem Leduc and Matthew Grant moved into 1st place on day three and won silver fleet despite an early start in the final race of the event. The team had a lot of fun on and off the water with on-land activities varying from go-carting to an awesome Mexican meal at Lone Star.

The Optimist Race Team had a similarly successful event with strong team of five attending CORK. Four out of the five who attended raced in green fleet, a separate race course for the first-year racers. The green course received a fleet of 31 boats and got off a total 17 races throughout the entire regatta. Liam Calder finished 6th overall in the green fleet, having placed top three in several races. Chantal Bourque who placed 8th overall also achieved great results often in the top 10. Jack Marten, despite formidable damage done to his boat in a start line altercation which meant he missed 2 races while it was being repaired, finished 10th overall. Mathew Kondejewski finished 11th overall in the green fleet having sailed a consistent regatta in the top 15. The championship fleet, made up of the optimist sailors with more than one year of experience had four extremely long days of racing and ended the regatta having sailed 12 races. Thomas Coté sailed an awesome regatta in the championship fleet finishing 55th off of a busy start line of 72 boats. The team was met with a variety of new experiences including exposure to protest proceedings, busy start lines and waves that the Lake of Two Mountains rarely entertains.

Hannah Kennal and Simon Gallagher