LOWISA 49 Recap

LOWISA 49 was a blast! – The iconic annual regatta on Lake of the Woods never disappoints. Those that have done it before know that LOWISA is an event like no other. 

We raced and cruised all day in the company of the fleet, then enjoyed anchoring in some of the most beautiful scenic surroundings in the world. The racing was competitive this year and the courses were challenging but everyone enjoyed pushing themselves and their boat to learn more in a week than in a season of sailing.

The race this year went to fabulous Whitefish Bay to enjoy the crystal clear water and beautiful anchorages. The LOWISA support houseboat was kid’s central and provided activities every day for the kid’s.

We kicked off the week with the LOWISA 49 Introductory and Skipper’s meeting hosted by one of our major sponsors – Lake of the Woods Brewing Company – complete with some sampling of their fine product. Our Race judge Rob Eby explained the start procedures and flag system, boat numbers were given out, and everyone was prepped for the week.

On Sunday evening after the first day of racing we had the Mount Gay Rum party at Cowboy anchorage. Our sponsor Mount Gay provided enough of their product to make sure the week got off to a fine start. This marked the 22^nd year that Mount Gay has been a sponsor of LOWISA and as usual they provided us with LOWISA 49 Mount Gay red hats.

The race visited world class Totem Lodge mid-week for our layover stay. Totem extended us their hospitality in the form of a welcome BBQ when we arrived on Tuesday night, a Rum Punch on the Deck on Layover Race Day and last but certainly not least – The fantastic Totem Lodge Buffet on Layover Day evening.

On Friday night we had the “Tap & Blend” party at Phil L’Heureux Bay. The Tap was provided by Lake of the Woods Brewing who provided us with two large kegs of beer and the complete tap system. The Blend was provided by Northern Yacht Club’s gas powered blender and the sailors who contributed the tequila and margarita mix.

The Commodore’s Awards Banquet was Saturday night in The Northern Room at Northern Harbour Boater’s Club.  It was a chance for everyone to get together and swap stories about the week with old friends and new over a great dinner and the awards presentations.

Here are the racing results for the week:

Division 1 Clyde Ryberg Trophy - corrected time

Clyde Ryberg (Commodore #1) – Randy McMonagle - Eribresea

Division 2 Winsome Trophy - corrected time

Clark Popham (Commodore #10) – Paul Gomori – Borderline

Division 3 Carolyn Trophy - corrected time

Jack Cully (Commodore #5) - Dave Nelson - Kite

Division 4 Flamingo Trophy - corrected time

Al Rutherford (Commodore #4) – John Sexton – Splash

Division 5 Malibu Trophy - corrected time - Cruising

John Olin (Commodore #3) – John Berringer – Sloops Troops

Province of Manitoba Cup – Paul Gomori – Borderline

Awarded to the Canadian boat with the lowest total corrected time in all races, except layday races.

Minnesota Governor's Cup – Kimberly Oritz – Ulla-La

Awarded to the American boat with the lowest total corrected time sailing all races, except layday races.

Bergman International Multi-Hull Challenge Trophy - John Sexton – Splash - USA

Awarded to the country whose multi-hull class has the lowest total average corrected time. Presented to awarded country's fastest multi-hull skipper.

The Hank and Ginny Henderson Cup - Paul Gomori – Borderline

Awarded to the mono hull with the lowest total corrected time (PHRF) in all races, except Layday races.

The Jack Cully Trophy – Dave Nelson - Kite

Awarded to the mono hull with the lowest total elapsed time (PHRF) in all races, except Layday races.

The Evergreene Cup – Not Awarded

Awarded to the mono hull with the lowest total corrected time (Portsmouth) in all races, except Layday races.

The Earl Nelson Cup - Eric Bluhm – John Sexton – Splash

Awarded to the planing/multihull with the lowest total elapsed time (Portsmouth) in all races, except Layday races.

Challenge Cup (Canada vs. USA) - Canada

Awarded to the country with the lowest average total corrected time for all boats sailing all races, except Layday races.

Commodore's Wheel – Dave Nelson & Pat Kabris

Awarded next year's commodores.

Next year is the BIG ONE – LOWISA 50! Our Commodore Dave Nelson is planning on a big event with past LOWISA participants from all over the USA and Canada making plans to come and celebrate the 50^th year.  We’d love to have some sailors from GYC, Pelican Lake or Dryden come and join us.

Bob Webb

Commodore LOWISA 49