Be Afraid! Be Very Afraid!

LOWISA and Warroad just got a lot more interesting. Dave Nelson participated in this Sunday's Spring Sea Fever with his new Ultimate 27, named 'Kite". PHRF 81, 40% of the weight of a J24, articulating bowsprit, carbon fibre toliet...

More Photos of Dave's boat from prior owner.

Spring Sea Fever Results

1st Kite 2:00:53
2nd Black Pearl
3rd D-Boat

It was great racing until the last 2 miles – when the wind completely disappeared. Black Pearl and D Boat sat parked for 20 minutes until Kite drifted past the finish.

We stopped racing as soon as Kite was done. Dave finished with an elapsed time of 1:45:00 (estimated). At that time, we were 1 ¼ mile behind Dave just at the entrance to Pine Portage Bay. D Boat was around the south west tip of Copper, about 2.9 miles from the finish. Finish times where estimated for Black Pearl and D-Boat.

Tea Cup Results

1st Black Pearl 2:09:49
2nd AFTICA 2:11:55
3rd Intrepid 2:22:22
4th D-Boat 2:31:52

Change of format this year which I think will prove popular next year, rather than a round the buoys race in harbour, we raced an 8 mile course around islands. Starting at the end of Pine Portage Bay, leave Copper Island to Port, Leave Kipling Island to Port, Leave Copper Island to Port, finish at the end of Pine Portage Bay.

Race was shortened at Kipling due to fading wind.

Fix Leaky C&C Windows...

A few people have been asking about a new solution for fixing C&C windows. A couple of boats from Gimli tried this out over the winter. Thought I would pass on this information.

Finally a permanent repair solution is available for those boaters tired of annoying window leaks!

Leaks and their resultant damage can now be eliminated permanently by utilizing a patented system combining custom fabricated marine grade aluminum extrusions and the latest adhesive and sealant technologies utilized in both aviation and marine industries.

Read more...

Warroad 2009 - Gull Rock Yes or No - Vote Now!

It has been suggested that we consider removing Gull Rock as a mark on the course for Warroad. Historically Gull Rock was not a mark on the course and boats had the freedom to sail different sides of the lake. Gull Rock was added later as a mark to remove the hazard of a few unmarked rocks. With the advent of GPS it has been suggested that we consider removing Gull Rock as all boats have the ability navigate safely. Lets put it it to a vote. Please make you choice by clicking on yes or no on the side banner. Happy voting!

Premium Fuel at Gas Dock

Gary wanted to advise everyone that Northern Harbour has now gone to premium fuel and will will no longer be selling regular fuel due to ethanol issues in the marine environment.

What is the problem?

Recent initiatives aimed at improving air quality have negatively impacted many boaters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires the use of oxygenated gasoline to improve air quality. Many regions use Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE), but ethanol is replacing it in many areas due to its own environmental problems. MTBE has links to cancer and easily leaks into groundwater aquifers. Ethanol use as a powerboat fuel can cause a number of headaches including fiberglass fuel tank failure, fuel system blockages, engine damage, and increased fuel contamination.

Read more: "Ethanol Fuel Problems for Boaters: Issues Plague Boats in the Switch to Ethanol Fuel Mixtures | Suite101.com" - http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/article.cfm/ethanol_fuel_problems_for_boaters#ixzz0HHr1alRe&A

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

The crew of Raven was treated to dinner at Wiley Point Lodge as the winner of this weeks pursuit race. The Sgt Dick Booth Memorial Safety Race Trophy will be awarded for this race as all boats where required to complete a man overboard drill at some point in the race. Racing was tight with all boats finishing within 5 minutes of each other. It was exciting to see most of the boats leave their man overboard drill until the end, more than a few nail biting finishes...

Complete Results:
Raven
Blonde
Vixen
Fogger
Sorcerer
Intrepid
Black Pearl

May Long Weekend - Icebreaker 2009

Link to view slide show.

LOWISA 43 - Feature Article on Sailling Breezes

On the top of the map of Minnesota is a “knob”, which extends towards Kenora Ontario. This “Lake of the Woods” has become the site for an annual, historic week of sailing, sunshine, and socializing. I first joined this week of sailing in 1981 and have returned to Kenora several times since then.

Entering it’s 44th annual regatta, LOWISA or Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association brings sailors from Canada and the US together in a broad mix of boats to compete in several different fleets. Although it is a first class race, LOWISA is also a time to appreciate some of the most pristine waters of North America. The experience is akin to sailing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota.

Read more...

Atlantic Cup - Update from Nana Maria

Mahi Mahi caught on Nana Maria on the last week as we approached the gulfstream.

Atlantic Cup - Daily Updates from Nana Maria

Thursday, May 7

It is a gorgeous morning here in the Atlantic Ocean. The sun is shining, the seas are calm and we are moving along very nicely. Our hope is to be in Bermuda by the wee hours of the morning. The boys are busy rigging "Nellie’s Bag of Terror" yet again, in preparation for a wind switch to the south. The day should prove interesting... at the very least. The strategy dance has begun. Which side of the course is favored? Do we stay farther west in anticipation of the winds clocking more to the south? Or do we start heading up toward Bermuda to give us more boat speed and hope that the wind won't switch till after we arrive?

We finally saw other boats yesterday. I know that is not a big thrill for most, but after seeing nothing for the last few days, little diversions become a huge deal.

It is finally calm enough that we all are going to shower... You may be wondering why I am mentioning this? Anybody that has been out to sea knows that trying to shower in rough seas in a tiny cubicle, is a recipe for Sea Sickness, if you are so prone. Most people try to avoid it, therefore showers are calm day activities and something to look forward to. You have a tendency to seek out the simple pleasures of life on a boat. ie bathing, eating, sleeping and Ice Cream at the finish line.. and maybe a spot of bubbly or two.

Wednesday, May 6

Today is Wednesday and we have made significant catch up to the fleet. I am happy to say that we have our own secret weather router located somewhere in Gaithersburg Maryland and doing a wonder job of telling us where to go. The winds and seas are beginning to calm and the fishing line is out once again. If we don't catch a Mahi today it will be Hamburger Helper for dinner.

Tuesday, May 5

Yesterday was a mixed bag of wind.. Sometimes we had it, sometimes we did not and in the end too much. The boys were overjoyed to fly "Nellie’s Bag of Terror" and had several lessons in deployment and take down. They did it very well, I might add. Good old Nana Maria had a great start but when the wind died so did our speed. It hurt to see so many boats pass us, but now that the wind has picked up we are flying at speeds of 9 to 11 knots. Not too shabby.

We have had several glitches in equipment, but nothing that can't be fixed. Our AC fridge is not working as it should; Thank Goodness the DC side is available.

We lost yet more lures yesterday, two in total. We did manage to land a mahi-mahi on board the back deck but....... the gaff slipped out and Mrs. Mahi wiggled herself right off. Guess she did not want to be the guest of honor at dinner last night.

The really big news is that "I" was able to shower. I am so not going to be like these smelly boys....haha.

Monday, May 4

We are a few hours away from completing our first day out to sea. We have had picture perfect weather and seas. Nana Maria could use a little more wind to really get here flying but we are maintaining a steady 6 knots. This weather pattern will hold almost to Bermuda we are told.

Last night we dined on freshly caught tuna. What a treat...and the good news is that we still have more in the fridge..ummmmm While Fred and Jim were cleaning the one we caught, Rod just thru in the hook to get it out of the way and wouldn't you know another one jumped up for the hook less than 5 feet off the back of the boat.. In fact it ate my hook :( We did persevere and put ON yet another hook on which was promptly devoured by an unknown fish..I guess the old sea superstition is true. If you have Bananas on board the fish won't bite-- So this trip we have no bananas…

The morning net just finished and we are in for another light air day, It may well be a "Nellie’s Bag of Terror Day".. (aka the gennaker sail)

New Boat Alert!

Blair just closed the deal on a brand new Beneteau First 36.7. A new shoal draft keel is being manufactured by Mars Metals with boat due to arrive the end of June. He hopes to have it ready for Warroad.


Black Pearl will be up for sale if anyone is interested give him an email at bmm@magnusbuffie.ca.


Congratulations Blair, Wendy and family...

SNAFU Sailing in Thailand on Paso Doble

Ian and Sally joined sailing friends from Clear lake to charter a Lagoon 41 in Thailand. After leaving -37 in Winnipeg, the plus 37 degrees in the shade took some adjusting to. Mid day sunshine took the temps up to 47 degrees. That week the wind gods refused to blow so we used our sails for shade! We had one day of sailing at around 6 knots! Unfavourable winds but favourable beers compensated. Prawns the size of ones head, fabulous hospitality, breath taking scenery, easy navigation, clear sailing guides to follow, quiet anchorages if desired, party spots if preferred and even cheese burger in paradise could be purchased on an occasional island. We met sailing families, couples and groups of guys. Provisioning was easy at the large supermarket. We took our own wine supplies from home with out any trouble but our unopened mayo got us into trouble at Tokyo Airport as it was mistaken for C4 explosive! The usual SNAFU with us. They let us keep it once they understood the North American need for keeping our arteries insulated.

Rock Lobster

As per last year we will not be providing a dinner for the IceBreaker but will have social type food available during the evening.

This event is free and open to all, with donations being accepted for non-members.

The Kinsmen Club of Kenora will be hosting a Lobster Fundraiser the weekend of May 15th. For those that are interested you can order a Lobster (1.25 - 1.5 lbs avg. weight) pre-cooked or live for $20 through our website using PayPal. We will accept orders through the website until May 10th, that is the final date that we have to submit our order. Lobsters will be delivered to the harbor in the afternoon of the 16th - in time for dinner...

Special prize for the best Lobster hat or costume...

Ice Patrol April 28th - Pine Portage Bay

Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation - Spring Newsletter

Dear Friends of the Lake of the Woods:

Attached is a the March 2009 newsletter of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. Please take a few moments to read our newsletter -- as you will see, we have made significant progress on water quality research and policy initiatives towards instituting international coordination and elevating the priority of Lake of the Woods with our governments.

The Foundation, along with its partners, has just run the 6th Annual International Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum. International coordination for Lake of the Woods was highlighted as the emerging issue on the lake, complementing the scientific reports on research underway on the lake, including an update on the nutrient budget study being sponsored by our Foundation.

We released the State of the Basin Report for the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Basin on March 11 at the Water Quality Forum.

The State of the Basin Report is available electronically for download at the Foundation’s website: http://www.lowwsf.com

This 140 page report provides a landmark baseline assessment against which to evaluate future environmental changes and the effectiveness of future management strategies for the lake, its water quality and its biological communities.

Preparation of the State of the Basin Report was a collaborative effort of our Foundation, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Environment Canada. In addition, many other agencies and researchers in Canada and the United States generously provided data and analyses to this project.

Old Boats Never Die... They Just Fade Away...

The sad end to a J 30...

BVI adventure aboard CACA FUEGO

Here are some pic’s of our BVI adventure aboard CACA FUEGO our chartered Beneteau 473. We had tons of fun and even got to share the entrance channel at Gorda Sound with the Maltese Falcon. We snorkeled every day and took some underwater pictures. George Luchka and Mike Scott joined us for a few anchorages and are in some of our shots along with Mike’s boat Zafu 444. Check out the pic’s of the famous Bomba’s Surf Shack too.

Spring is Here!

Faces of LOWISA 43

The 44th Running of LOWISA!

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!

2009 Calendar of Events Northern Yacht Club

Two new exciting events this year, we are adding a pursuit race to Wiley Point Lodge, the winner gets their dinner. We will also be awarding the Sargent Dick Booth Memorial Safety Race Trophy for this event. Race instructions and details to follow.

Also we are going to be hosting a Rum tasting with Rums from around the world... or at least the Caribbean part... Each dock will host a different rum tasking station, sort of a Foklarama of Rum... We will leave it up to each dock to determine if they want to have an interpretive dance show to go along with the Rum they are tasting....

May 16 Ice Breaker Social with “The Solutions” Northern Harbour Boater's Club

May 30 Race For Your Dinner (Safety Race) Wiley Point Lodge

June 6 Tea Cup Race

June 7 Spring Sea Fever

June 12 Pizza in the Northern Harbour Boater's Club

June 20 Summer Solstice Race to 22 Ft Bay

June 19 First Weekend of Summer Party in the Northern Harbour Boater's Club, hosted by Gary Hall and Family

July 1-5 Warroad Race

July 10 Fish Fry in the Northern Harbour Boater's Club

July 18 Queen Island pursuit race

July 24-31 Cruise Week

August 1-8 LOWISA 44

August 21 Rum tasting on the Dock, Northern Harbour Boater's Club back-up if weather bad

August 22 Witch Bay pursuit race

Sept 5 Frock Night (on the lake)

Sept 12-13 Fall Sea Feaver

Nov 10 Fall Lift

MSA Learn to Cruise Winter Schedule

Basic Cruising
Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21 9:00am – 5:00pm, Wolfe Smythe
Wednesdays, April 8 - May 27 6:30pm – 9:30pm Gary Hebert
Saturdays, April 11, 18, 25 9:00am – 5:00pm Jim Robinson

Celestial Navigation
Wednesdays, March 18 - May 6 6:30pm – 9:30pm Davis Daycock

VHF Seminar
Wednesdays, March 18 & 25 6:30pm – 9:30pm George Bush
Tuesdays, April 14 & 21 6:30pm – 9:30pm Jim Robinson

WEATHER
Saturday, March 21 9:00am – 5:00pm Bob Modrcin

For more information about these courses, visit our website at http://www.sailmanitoba.com/program/program.htm

For registration, please phone the office at 925-5650 or send an email to sailing@sport.mb.ca

If You Are A Boater, You Need It!

The deadline is here - You need "The Card" this year! By September 15, 2009 all operators of ANY power driven vessels must have their PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card). Check out http://www.nuttallboatingsafety.com/

"The Solutions" booked for the Ice Breaker

With the help of world renown concert promoter Bob McDonald we have booked a band called "The Solutions" for the Ice Breaker. They are a seven piece group - including three piece horn section. They do lots of great R&B (Wilson Pickett) stuff plus a bunch of rock & roll (Spencer Davis, Beatles etc.)

See below for a video from Canada at the Forks.