Chester Race Week - Weather doesn't deter racers

4:28 PM Thu 11 Aug 2011 GMT

'Chester Yacht Club' Guy Perrin Click Here to view large photo

With overcast skies and drizzly weather and strong winds, 147 yachts hit the starting lines at noon on three race courses for the start of Chester Race Week. Hosted by the Chester Yacht Club, Race Week is the largest keel boat regatta in Canada.

Opening ceremonies included greetings from Gerald Keddy MP for South Shore, St. Margaret's and other local dignitaries. With the boom of the cannon and the wail of the piper, the Club burgee was hoisted by commodore Don McAlpine and chair Dr. John Curry to declare Race Week 2011 under way.

The winds were of quite strong at 15 to 25 knots out of the south east making for great courses set by Principal Race Officer Andreas Josenhans. The sailors found the conditions challenging but great fun as they vied for trophies and bragging rights. With seas were running three to six feet the boats were being tossed around. It was a day for 'the lee rail under' as the sailors say.

There was one collision with serious damage to the boats plus a few equipment failures. Several boats had to retire from the racing because of the conditions. Some sails were blown out and one boat lost its mast. The race officer cancelled the second and sometimes third races which are sailed in lighter winds. All boats made it back to the harbour for the welcome warmth and hospitality of the clubhouse.

The Club hosted a huge pig roast in the evening which was a sold out event enjoyed by the racers and visitors alike. The feast was followed by a rambunctious party with the 'Mellotones' providing the entertainment until the wee hours.

by Lynn Helpard

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