BOWSER FAMILY RETURNS TO HYC IN STYLE
Seventy nine keel boats started the 68th annual Labour Day long distance race under sunny skies on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The traditional starting line was off Ile Cadieux and the fleet got away on time in a gusty southerly breeze resulting in a fairly fast race. The slightly shorter course this year, plus fast sailing conditions allowed the fleet to get back to HYC in lots of time to enjoy the onshore festivities. As the boats crossed the finish line in front the crowded terrace they were serenaded by the Caribbean Steel Band who played until the BBQs were ready. As is tradition at HYC a large team of volunteers took over and cooked more than 260 steak dinners for the hungry sailors. Just when everyone was ready to relax, the rock and roll band started and kept the party going late into the night.
The off shore breeze put a premium on keeping a clear lane and focusing on boat speed and all those who succeeded were rewarded with good finishes. This year the RC decided to shorten the race distance to the pre-1978 distance to encourage everyone to finish the race. This, combined with great sailing conditions resulted in 79 boats crossing the finish line.
Ted & Karen Bowser with their daughter Emily sailing a Shark were the overall winners of the Lake of Two Mountains Challenge Cup for the long distance race. They hadn't sailed here in 20 years but showed that sailing in Mallets Bay hasn't hurt their performance as they won Sunday PHRF 3 as well. Second place on Saturday was HYC's Ron Harris and crew who also won Sunday PHRF 1B/2 fleet. Third place Saturday went to George Stedman sailing a Shark from PCYC. Line honours for the Long Distance race were won by Alain Molimard from CNDM on board his Viper 640. All the results from the weekend can be found on the HYC website which also includes the J 24 Quebec
District Regatta.
The weekend wasn't only about big boat sailing. The ever active Soling 1M fleet held it's annual Sunday regatta and sailed 10 races just west of the Webb Pier much to the delight of the crowd on the terrace. Top three sailors for the day, 1st, Paul Switzer, 2nd Bill Croft and 3rd John Lowther.
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| Kevin Thompson winner Corvette Cup |
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| Sailors relaxing after the Long Distance and enjoying our sponsors products SLEEMANS and MOUNT GAY |
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| Sunday J 24 Fleet racing |
