By: Robert Nuttall The Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association’s LOWISA Regatta has distinguished itself as a pinnacle event within the sport of sailing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and by the pristine waters of its majestic setting on Lake of the Woods. Although it is, first and foremost, a racing event, there is something for everyone. It includes, fleets for family cruising, pursuit starts, white sails and fleets with hard-core crews - down and dirty (but always gentlemanly), to ensure racing and sailing at its best.
Traditionally PHRF and one-design, the main regatta gets its start each year on the first Sunday of August. The addition of the Arctic Glacier Youth Dinghy Open Day Regatta activities get underway on Saturday, (August 1st, this year). Now in its 3rd year, the Arctic Glacier Youth Regatta promotes sailing development and racing for youth 18 years and under while giving publicity to the week-long main regatta.
The regatta week starts with registration, the Skippers’ Meeting and the Sailors’ Social on Saturday. The start sequence begins at 1050 hrs on Sunday. Daily races are typically 25 miles and are point-to-point, ending usually, in the proximity of a wilderness lodge. Sailors have the choice of pre-booking lodges, renting a houseboat, staying on board their own boats or camping on shore. Routes and mid-week Layover Day destinations vary widely from year to year.
Social events are many and include the Mt. Gay Pepsi Arctic Glacier Wilderness Adventure (yup it’s a rum party), the Canadian Tire Annual Youth Fishing Tournament, a LOW scavenger hunt, wilderness on the lake pizza and a movie, capping it off in grand finale style, the Commodore’s Ball and Awards Banquet.
Wednesday is Layover Day and distance-wise, it is the furthest point from the Day 1 beginning. This year we are pleased to be going to the Wiley Point Wilderness Lodge. You are free to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities and services or get out again for the optional series of around-the-cans racing. Whatever you choose the day is yours to enjoy. The lodge is to host a wonderful dinner followed by the always popular LOWISA Talent Contest and perhaps a key-note speaker or two. The entire racing and socializing agenda will be posted well in advance on our website at http://www.lowisa.org/ so check on it often.
The year 2009, marks its 44th running. The longevity of this event is evidence to its enduring tradition as well as its rich and colourful history. Friendships which have been made, are rekindled, families and friends bond and crew teams meld throughout the week of sailing, racing and socializing. Many of the participants come from mid-western Canada and the USA and still yet some come from as far away as Europe, New Zealand and the Cayman Islands each year.
It is not only the world class racing and camaraderie that makes the week amazing; it’s the 65,000 miles of shoreline and the 16,662 islands chiselled out of granite, eons ago, by advancing and retreating ice. As well, the abundant wildlife and soaring White and Red Pines collaborate to make Lake of the Woods truly majestic. The 60 mile x 60 mile lake is itself international, bordering the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario and the American state of Minnesota.
Since 1966, sailors have continued to thrill in the competition and to savour the splendour of their surroundings. But as awesome as it is, Lake of the Woods is not fickle…nor is it totally predicable. The weather and winds are more often than not, fair – a perfect water wonderland, a perfect venue for sailing. With all its elements of challenge, and excitement, LOWISA attracts sailors from around the world! The 2009 Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association’s LOWISA Regatta gets underway August 1, 2009 out of Safety Bay in Kenora, Ontario, Canada.
Visit our Website at http://www.lowisa.org/ for details and updates. Better yet, join us for an unforgettable week!
Traditionally PHRF and one-design, the main regatta gets its start each year on the first Sunday of August. The addition of the Arctic Glacier Youth Dinghy Open Day Regatta activities get underway on Saturday, (August 1st, this year). Now in its 3rd year, the Arctic Glacier Youth Regatta promotes sailing development and racing for youth 18 years and under while giving publicity to the week-long main regatta.
The regatta week starts with registration, the Skippers’ Meeting and the Sailors’ Social on Saturday. The start sequence begins at 1050 hrs on Sunday. Daily races are typically 25 miles and are point-to-point, ending usually, in the proximity of a wilderness lodge. Sailors have the choice of pre-booking lodges, renting a houseboat, staying on board their own boats or camping on shore. Routes and mid-week Layover Day destinations vary widely from year to year.
Social events are many and include the Mt. Gay Pepsi Arctic Glacier Wilderness Adventure (yup it’s a rum party), the Canadian Tire Annual Youth Fishing Tournament, a LOW scavenger hunt, wilderness on the lake pizza and a movie, capping it off in grand finale style, the Commodore’s Ball and Awards Banquet.
Wednesday is Layover Day and distance-wise, it is the furthest point from the Day 1 beginning. This year we are pleased to be going to the Wiley Point Wilderness Lodge. You are free to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities and services or get out again for the optional series of around-the-cans racing. Whatever you choose the day is yours to enjoy. The lodge is to host a wonderful dinner followed by the always popular LOWISA Talent Contest and perhaps a key-note speaker or two. The entire racing and socializing agenda will be posted well in advance on our website at http://www.lowisa.org/ so check on it often.
The year 2009, marks its 44th running. The longevity of this event is evidence to its enduring tradition as well as its rich and colourful history. Friendships which have been made, are rekindled, families and friends bond and crew teams meld throughout the week of sailing, racing and socializing. Many of the participants come from mid-western Canada and the USA and still yet some come from as far away as Europe, New Zealand and the Cayman Islands each year.
It is not only the world class racing and camaraderie that makes the week amazing; it’s the 65,000 miles of shoreline and the 16,662 islands chiselled out of granite, eons ago, by advancing and retreating ice. As well, the abundant wildlife and soaring White and Red Pines collaborate to make Lake of the Woods truly majestic. The 60 mile x 60 mile lake is itself international, bordering the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario and the American state of Minnesota.
Since 1966, sailors have continued to thrill in the competition and to savour the splendour of their surroundings. But as awesome as it is, Lake of the Woods is not fickle…nor is it totally predicable. The weather and winds are more often than not, fair – a perfect water wonderland, a perfect venue for sailing. With all its elements of challenge, and excitement, LOWISA attracts sailors from around the world! The 2009 Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association’s LOWISA Regatta gets underway August 1, 2009 out of Safety Bay in Kenora, Ontario, Canada.
Visit our Website at http://www.lowisa.org/ for details and updates. Better yet, join us for an unforgettable week!
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