Sailing Film Premier - O CANADA Project

The O CANADA Project tells the story of New Zealand boat builder Alan West rebuilding the former Spirit of Canada boat, skippered by Canadian Derek Hatfield in the 2006 Vendee Globe singlehanded race, and training five Canadian high performance sailors - - Nikola Girke, Mike Leigh, Kevin Stittle, Rob Fox and Nathan Baron - - as they learn to sail the newly christened and highly demanding O CANADA in New Zealand.

Picture taken Saturday December 3rd at 5:30pm...

How bad do you want your boat bottom sanded??? Guess who is under the tarp?

Sioux Narrows Bridge...

How to get an 80' rig through the 65' bridges of the Intracoastal Waterway using two tons of water. The balls get swung out with an initial turn to port or stbd. The tendency then is for the roll to continue by itself, but is controlled by letting the bags out slowly with a line made off to each bag and running through necessary tackle to a cockpit winch.

Video onboard Kite, Lowisa 46 Day 4

On A Boat With The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

The Adventurer - Featuring Kenora's Dave Treadway

Manitoba Keelboat Championships

Congratulations to Northern Yacht Club member Dave Nelson and crew for winning that Manitoba Keelboat Championships. It was a three way tie between Dave Nelson - Kite, Charlie Burns - Liquor Box and Fred Finlayson/Jim Fogg - Rhum Line up until the last race. Whomever won the last race won the regatta. 1st and 3rd place where separated by 41 seconds.

We can try this at the Sioux Narrow Bridge next summer

Race Report - SGT DICK BOOTH MEMORIAL SAFETY PURSUIT RACE

For the first time in many years, every club race this year enjoyed nice wind (save for the first half of the day 2 or warroad). For this race, however, the sun was replaced with clouds, cold air and rain. The forcast combined with a number of boats heading off down the lake Friday in an effort together down to the Whitefish for Frock night resulted in a disapointing turn out of only three boats. The course took us around Survey, past Strawberry, around the Elbow, past Bun with the finish around Steamboat Reef. Wind was w-s-w starting the day at 10-15, the building to 15-20 around noon, then peaking out at 20-25 around 1pm just as the race ended.

The boats were hard on the wind all the way to the Elbow, then downwind to Bun, then a short reach to steamboat. Grand Cru had caught up to Raven at the elbow, having passed the singlehanded Black Knight previously, and decided to run the gennaker instead of the chute- the though being it was easy and they should be able to hold even with Raven. Alas, it was not to be. Under chute, Raven passed Grand Cru and built a modest but unnerving and unexpected (for Grand Cru) lead of about 100 meters approaching Bun, setting up what looked to be a very tight finish. This race required a man over board drill which both Raven and Grand Cru had completed while approaching Strawberry. Black Knight, flying chute singlehanded in 20 knots had almost reeled in Grand Cru but still had to execute the man over board. Unfortunately for Raven their 100 meter lead disappeared as they got stuck behind Bun. Grand Cru slipped by them and beam reached the next mile to the finish. Raven being second followed by Black Night.

As this race is named after Sgt Dick Booth, Wendy and I spent some time remanissing about the fun times we had on our previous boat, Black Pearl, with Dick's son, the late Kevin Booth. Kevin used to join us on Black Pearl for all the club bouy races and the LOWISA layover day bouy races. He was a pleasure to have on board - always in great spirits and truly loved to be on the lake and to be in a sail boat. A creature of habit I suppose, everytime he came on board he brought two beer (Keith's if I recall) and a salmon sandwich wrappped in wax paper. We both miss the post race rums with him that we used to enjoy on the Black Pearl while returning to the Harbour after the races. We also miss his welcoming smile whenever we drop by Northern Harbour. This race was important to Kevin and Wendy and I are proud to have won the race bearing his dad's name in the year of Kevin's passing.

Blair Magnus

Sent from an Iphone.

Lets try this off the end of A Dock

Somehow I suspect this new generation of 18 to 20 year old's is not going to be excited about slow keelboats in the future. Sell now....

Witch Bay Pursuit - Onboard Grand Cru

Continuing what has been a remarkable year of wind and weather for the racing season we once again had beautiful wind between 10-15 knots from the western quadrant all day. After the start at the south end of Pine Portage Bay we had a beam reach down to Copper. Carrying a chute was a little tight and most boats elected not to launch except for Goliath. Either way there wasn't much in it. After rounding Copper it was a long port tack up to the north side of Survey. Rounding Survey the course then took us between Scotty and Middle.

The wind was starting to oscillate a little more with the shifts to the w-n-w becoming larger and longer for a while. As a result the fleet was faced with the decision weather to go to the east or west of Maizes. Some of the early boats chose the west, a few chose the east and a late shift back to the w-s-w made the decision for the later boats clear.

Borderline, Raven Black knight, Auberge and Goliath all looked to have the option with only Raven taking the west. Kite and Grand Cru, last to round Survey and coming into the w-s-w shift would have had to tack to get to the west so the east was the logical route. The west side paid. Post race the Raven team was coy about the reasoning behind their decision. All the non-spin boats took the west side.

Passing Strawberry the course then took us south west for water then east down Andrew Bay. Around this area a rain storm blew through. Winds pick up immediately. Within 15 seconds it was 25knots from the west. Sloop du Jour reported a max wind of 36.5 knots. Three boats had rounded and we heading east just before the storm hit. Raven reported 11+ kts boat speed with main (genoa was fully blanketed). Other boats on the down wind side of the storm were borderline and Goliath. The boats still going upwind had a tougher time. Genoas were dropped some mains were reefed. Misty's headsail pulled out of the track. Eventually the trailing fleet got past the turning bouy and could turn down wind and enjoy the ride. However time lost to the front boats would not be made up. The wind quickly returned to its previous state of 10-15knots. Chutes went up for the run down Andrew Bay for a very nice five mile sail to the finish.

Finishing order:
Raven
Goliath
Borderline
Kite
Grand cru
Black knight
Auberge
Knock-out
Swordfish
Oh boy
Misty (dnf)
Black Pearl (dnf)

Queen Island Pursuit Race - Results

It was a great day to race. Wind from the south west 10-15 knots. There was a short spin run from Palisade to Whisky but it was a fun one as the wind had just peaked and was gusting to 20. It was a drag race from Whisky to the finish around Iriam with the top three boats finishing within 15 seconds of eachother.

Great battle between Raven and Black Knight as well up to the finish.

Kite
Borderline
Grand Cru
Goliath
Raven
Black Knight
Knock out
Auberge
D Boat
Fandango

Recap of LOWISA 46

For a excellent recap of LOWISA 46 and some historical perspective from Brett Walker who raced on Haemony. Click on the following link http://ratkingsails.tumblr.com/

Sailing on Lake of The Woods.

Sailing on Lake of the Woods from David Warrenchuk on Vimeo.

Oh my goodness, just when you thought your boat was fast

A New Personal Watercraft

Go Canada

View slide show...

Kenora cruise ship sails on rough waters

KENORA -- It has 14,500 islands. There are 105,000 kilometres of shoreline.

It is surrounded by 2.5 billion-year-old rock. The first white man to see Lake of the Woods was French explorer Jacques De Noyon in 1688.

What better way to learn about magnificent Lake of the Woods than skimming across its waters on the MS Kenora...

Kenora cruise ship sails on rough waters

Race Report - Warroad 2011

Day 1: West-north-west wind around 15kts with gusts to 20kts in the open
water and, as usual, gusts to 25kts approaching the finish line at Warroad.
During the day the wind backed slightly to West. Beautiful 25 degree sunny
day. At the start, a few boats carried their chutes (it was tight) down to
Bare Island then dropped the chutes as they turned to head toward Gull Rock.
Rounding Bare, it looked like Goliath was simultaneously cleaning their
boat bottom with the chute, trying to catch shrimp, all while sailing
backwards for a while. Turns out this was a good plan as they went on to
win the day.

After Bare, it was a close reach to Gull Rock with boats at hull speed.
Rounding Gull, with the wind backing to the West, it was a beat to the
finish. Fleet was spread across the course with some to the extreme south
and some modestly north. Some stayed up the middle. While the wind was
oscillating nicely, there was no clear advantage to any side of the course.
The two Abbots (Raven and Black Night) had a good battle up this leg with
Black Night slipping by Raven on a shift about 2-3 miles from the finish.

Many boats had to pick their way through the channel (but eventually made it
to get into Warroad. Knock-Out and Grand Cru stayed outside at anchor for
the night.

Day 2: Golf?

Day 3: From about 7am the wind was coming from the South-West at 12-15kts
setting up for what looked to be a beautiful downwind race all the way.
Fogger started at 10AM with their iconic pink chute charging for the rock.
5 minutes after their start, a massive persistent shift to the south east
came through. As the fleet watched, Fogger kept his chute up and was now
sailing North (were going the wrong way!). For what seemed like an
eternity, finally their chute came down and the boat turned to the west, but
still no headsail could be seen. Strangely, for the fist time in three
days, Fogger's laugh could not be heard. We would later learn that not only
was their headsail not ready to go, but the jib sheets were not run.
Anyway, the rest of the fleet now set-up their headsails and off everyone
went for this unexpected upwind leg. The wind was very patchy and the early
boats to leave had a chance to stay in the wind. Some of the early boats
had success, some were just out of range. The later boats sat parked up
just off the starting line for an hour or so. AI and Borderline made it
around Gull Rock and did a horizon job and the rest of the fleet. It was a
two boat race and AI just managed to hold off Borderline over the last 20
miles.

With pending severe storms, Grand Cru dropped out after 1 1/2 hours of
"racing" after realizing that they were only 1 mile from the start line and
had spent the last 30 mins going backwards. Good times. Fogger dropped out
as well. Remaining fleet stuck it out and the wind filled in at the end
with some boats having a great ride. Kite reported over 16kts of boat speed
before their asymmetric tack blew out.

Boats arrived back at Sportsman lodge just as the storms began to roll
through. Fortunately, no serious storms rolled over Oak Island.

Day 1
Goliath
Kyte
AI
Borderline
Grand Crew
Black Night
Raven
Knock out
Vixen
Sloops
Fogger

Day 2
AI
Borderline
Goliath
Sloops
Knock Out
Kyte
Vixen
Black Night
Raven
Fogger DNF
Grand Crew DNF

Winners
AI
Goliath
Borderline

Cruise Week 2011 - July 22 to July 29

Friday July 22 – Dinner – Meet and greet on the deck of Northern Harbour Boat Club – pot luck hosted by Vera and Dave from Aftica

Saturday – Sail to Sanderson Beach for the Appetizers on the Beach Party – also called “Make room in the fridge right away!” – Anchorage – The Funnel or Newfoundland

Sunday – Sail to Timber Beach – Yes, I know it’s a long sail but you’ll love it! – Anchor on Timber Beach (weather permitting – if not, the backside of Timber or Annie Island)

Monday – back to Timber Beach for Bocce Ball and other activities – Anchorage – Big Bird Island

Tuesday – leave early for Sioux Narrows – anchor in the bay, dinghy to The Mine Shaft for a Cheeseburger in Paradise afternoon on the deck – Anchorage – Barney Narrows or Twin Island

Wednesday – Sail to Yellow Girl anchorage – Hot Dog’s over the fire (bring your own dogs, buns, etc)

Thursday – Sail through Sunset Channel – anchor at Deadbroke Island

Friday – Sail back to NH or stay on the Lake

Cavey's Crab Dip

INGREDIENTS

24 Ounces Sour Cream
1 1.8 Ounce Package of Knorr Leek Soup Mix
8 Ounces Real Crabmeat

NOTE: This recipe can be made with regular onion soup mix and canned crabmeat. However, I highly recommend using Knorr Leek Soup and the real crabmeat found in the refrigerated section of your local supermarket (usually near the meat department). Costco also carries a great lump crabmeat in their refrigerated section. Additionally, though it doesn't really make this a "healthy dish", using the "Light" version of sour cream certainly cuts down on the caloric and fat content for those trying to watch their Caveish figure.
Cavey's Crab Dip Ingredients

Place sour cream and soup mix into medium sized mixing bowl and stir until fully blended.
Sour Cream & Knorr Leek Soup Mix

Now, place crabmeat into bowl and gently fold into sour cream/soup mixture.
HINT: I like to have small lumps of crabmeat in my dip. If you prefer it a little smoother, go ahead and add the crab meat when you initially put in the soup mix. The extra stirring will smooth it out.
Adding Crabmeat

Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least three hours ... and that's it! Just serve with your favorite dipping chip and be ready for the YUM!!
Cavey's Crab Dip

Prep Time = 3 Minutes
Cook Time = 3 Hous
Serves 10-20

Mosquitoes more attracted to beer drinkers: study

It might be nice enough to enjoy a pint outside in your part of Canada, but news that mosquitoes are likely to target people with beer in their systems might make you re-think enjoying your favorite patio.

Or at least apply some bug repellent before you head out.

A study, conducted by scientists at the IRD Research Centre in France, shows that insects are 15 per cent more likely to fly toward humans after they have consumed a pint.

The researchers write in Plos One that one possible explanation is, "Mosquitoes may have evolved preferences for people who recently consumed beer - possibly due to reduced host defensive behaviours or highly-nutritious blood-meals." More... http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/mosquitoes-more-attracted-beer-drinkers-study-200654377.html

Homemade Ginger Beer and the Dark 'n' Stormy | The Paupered Chef

Homemade Ginger Beer and the Dark 'n' Stormy | The Paupered Chef

Ginger, Lemon, Sugar, Yeast...and 24 hours.

Summer Solstice Race to 22 ft Bay - Results

Competitive Fleet of 7. Winds ranging from 12 knots to 15 knots with a few gust reaching 20 knots. Lots of spinnaker work and some beating. It was a tight parade at the end. Not many seconds between each boat. Borderline dominated from the start. All of the other positions were in question a few times during the race.

1st Borderline
2nd Raven
3rd Kite
4th Black Knight
5th Oberge
6th Grand Cru
7th Fogger

Capsize

Bud and Spud social fundraiser for Bob Wenzel

This past winter fellow Northern Harbour sailor Bob Wenzel, of Sandwip, had an unfortunate accident in his home. While he expected to fully recover from his fractured neck, he is currently in a neck brace and unable to operate his salon. As a proud, self employed businessman this must be a very taxing time.
Some of his friends have organized a bud and spud fundraiser to assist Bob and his wife Janna during this difficult period.

Canad Inn Windsor Park
Stereo Room

Friday June 3, 5-8 PM
Cost is $20 Inc meal and a beer

We are asking for your support and generosity for any donations for the silent auction and to come out for a nice meal and a dance on your way out to the lake.


Please contact any of the following for tickets or info:
Cathy Sheppard 794 8281
Donna Dela 832 6550 h
Rick Thompson 8326550 h 204 803 9910 MTS cell rthompson78@shaw.ca
Alfie Gentle 612 1398
Dianne McDougall 299 5716

Registration is now open for LOWISA 46!

Registration is now open for LOWISA 46! You can register online. We’re offering a Mount Gay Rum hat to all skippers who register online in advance. Once again due to the generous support of our sponsors we have been able to keep the registration low this year at $185 for Racing and $125 for Cruising. The registration fee includes two tickets to the Commodore’s Banquet, additional tickets are available at registration along with LOWISA Clothing and charts for purchase.

Saturday July 30th, on-site registration, race instructions and charts will be available at the Northern Harbour Boaters’ Club in Northern Harbour. Help with lifts in and out, will be provided by Gary Hall and his family at Northern Harbour. Be sure to buy your Morgan Fuels gas and diesel fuel and Arctic Glacier ice from Gary. Once again we will be offering a seminar which will provide local knowledge on navigating Lake of the Woods along with tips for having a successful week on the lake. The seminar will be held in the Northern Harbour Boaters’ Club on Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm. Those who are new to the lake will find it interesting and valuable. The Skippers’ meeting, Sailors Social, and dinner will follow starting at 6:00pm.

Day 1, Racing gets started on Sunday, July 31st, at 12:00 noon in Safety Bay, so the crowd at the Kenora Harbourfront can enjoy the excitement of the starts. We’re planning a course allowing for a couple of east-west laps on Safety Bay with a finish in the Vicinity of Keewatin Channel. This will be an interesting race with lots of tune-up opportunity. If the weather cooperates we’re hoping for around 15 miles of windward-leeward racing. Expect lots of cottage owners and Kenora residents out to watch the fleet duke it out on the water. The cruising fleet can take advantage of ever popular Scotty Beach and join up with the racers for the evening. The anchorage for Day 1 will be Strawberry Island.

Day 2, Monday, August 1st, start at the north end of Scotty’s Island and proceed through the Elbow to the unnamed bay south of Yellow Girl Point. In honour of their continuing support, we’ve designated this scenic spot as “Mount Gay Bay.” This is an excellent area for camping and there’s a terrific little island that’s great place for our first event of the week: the Mount Gay, Pepsi, and Arctic Glacier Wilderness Party. Pirate costumes are optional (be all you can be as Captain Sparrow – Savvy?), but at the very least be sure to wear your Mount Gay Rum hat and your best smiles for the photo ops.

Day 3, Tuesday, August 2nd, start at Yellow Girl Point and proceed through Sunset Channel to end the day at the west end of Deadbroke Channel. Sunset Channel represents much of what is the best of Lake of the Woods and promises to be one of the most scenic days of the week. For Cruisers, there is an opportunity to enjoy some early aboriginal rock paintings along the way and, if you are extraordinarily lucky, a petroglyph.

Day 4, Wednesday, August 3rd, start at the west end of Deadbroke Channel and proceed to Ash Rapid Camp. Cruisers may want to stop for a lunch break on the sandbar at S Island. Ash Rapids Camp is a full service wilderness lodge and well known for their hospitality. They offer great food, a rustic bar and sell fuel and ice. Nicely furnished cabins are available. See the LOWISA Website for their Internet link and to make reservations.

Day 5, Thursday, August 4th is a day of rest. After 4 days of racing and cruising most of us need a day to sleep late, fix gear, and socialize with other sailors. But for those with the urge to race, we’ll have an optional and stand-alone windward leeward series of races. The skippers meeting will be held at 10:00 AM at which time, we’ll describe the location and the round-the-cans race course choices for the layover day races. We have lots of kids activities planned on shore this day. Ptarmigan Bay is close by and is a great place for a leisurely day-cruise for those who want to get away. Dinner in the dining room is provided as part of your registration so be sure you have a ticket for each of your crew members. The Arctic Glacier Frozen T-Shirt Contest will be a part of the evening’s social events. The Commodore will hand pick the contestants and for those whom he picks, declining is not an option - there’s nowhere to hide!! Pump out and garbage disposal will be available during the layover day.

Day 6, Friday, August 5th, start near Ash Rapids Camp and race to 22 Foot Bay. We’ve used this anchorage many times in past regattas; it’s another great spot for wilderness anchoring and camping. If you wish, cabins are available at Crow Rock Lodge, which is just around the corner from where our anchorage. See the LOWISA Website for their Internet link and to make reservations. Crow Rock Lodge offers a full service bar and dinning. We’ll have the gas powered blender on shore for Margaritas after racing. Bring a bottle or two of Tequila; we’ll provide the mix. Throw it all in the blender and see what happens… no big Woop – or maybe a big Woop!!

Day 7, Saturday, August 6th marks our last day of racing. We’ll start near the Crow Rock Light and head back to Northern Harbor via the famed Manitou Reach. The LOWISA Commodore’s Banquet and the Awards Presentation will be hosted in the Northern Boaters’ Club, on this final day. Back by popular demand are Brent Parkin and the Schooners. This is truly a great band that’ll make you want to dance your socks off, so our closing festivities will carry on well into the evening.

There will be Children’s activities throughout the week with an emphasis on having the kids gather on the islands following the races for fantastic games activities and surprises galore!!!!

Amped Wireless' UA600EX adapter quadruples your laptop's WiFi range when you're on a boat

from Engadget by Dana Wollman

For every gadget you can use on land, there has to be one you can use at sea, right? Just in time for yachting season, Amped Wireless released the weatherproof UA600EX High Power Wireless-N 600mW Pro USB Adapter, which promises to extend your notebook's WiFi range in areas where there are no hotspots to be mooched. That sounds ideal for boating, but thanks to some flexible mounting options and one heavy-duty 26.5-foot cable, it should also come in handy everywhere from offices to RVs. The single-band UA600EX runs on the 2.4GHz spectrum, and although the company stops short of saying just how many feet of leeway you can expect, it does claim to quadruple your computer's range -- whatever that happens to be. If you have a hankering to watch Deadliest Catch on your next fishing trip, you can nab one of these bad boys at the source link for a cool $110.

Continue reading Amped Wireless' UA600EX adapter quadruples your laptop's WiFi range when you're on a boat.

Attached find an article also detailing what Bob was really up to in Florida

Click picture to enlarge!

How to Change a Fan Belt

Lets see who can do this on a Yanmar!

Whitey McDonald - Master of the sea - in a very close call

Whilst in the Bahamas this winter, this monster made a sudden lunge for me, but alas, and to his eternal dismay, I was too quick with my trusty spear and dispatched the beast micro-seconds before he sunk his giant fangs into my throat ! And in another very close call I almost ran out of rum one day.

In other news - "Billy Bob" entertaining the crowd with saws at the Abaco Inn in Hopetown.

LOWISA's 6th annual Arctic Glacier Youth Ya Gotta Regatta

For 2011 we’ve reinvented the Arctic Glacier Youth Ya Gotta Regatta!! It was meant to be fun. Then it got serious. Seriously fun and for 2011 - this is one Sic Youth Regatta. It’s been described as one part sailing, one part motocross, and one part snowboarding; it’s unorthodox, "Un-Regatta" format is designed to emphasize fun, over results.

The format is fast paced, and it does not totally follow the stuffy Rules of Racing. No need to do the foul purging 360; dip your mast in the water instead! In our “Un-Regatta” that’ll purge your foul. Instead of the traditional start line we’ve got a Grand Prix hot dock start. And there’s no finish line either. Rather, you’ll have to ring the finishers’ bell on the dock. But not so fast, because at both the start and finish, you’ll have to speed walk to and from your boats. Why, because the PRO says so!!

We’ve done away with the round-the-cans racing format for the Arctic Glacier Youth Ya Gotta Regatta. Instead, it’s a pursuit style race which will start at Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club and finish at Kenora’s Harbourfront Thistle Pavilion. The starts are timed so that the slowest boats or fleets will start first and the fastest boats and fleets, last. It’s timed so that the majority of the participants will arrive at the Harbourfront at approximately 1:00 PM – just in time for FREE lunch and FREE Pepsi product beverages. Did we mention that this is a FREE regatta, thanks to our title sponsor Arctic Glacier Inc. – there’s no entry fee. It’s a dinghy event open to all youth who are under the age of 18 as at July 29th, 2011.

Some of the participants will be seasoned sailors, while others are novices and although there will be excellent racing, removing the win-at-all-costs atmosphere will make it fun for parents, team leaders, and kids alike. Did we mention too, that on-the-water coaching for the novices and the mid-sailors is not only welcome, it’s encouraged. For some kids, the freestyle will be the most memorable part of the on the water events. (Freestyle tricks will allow participants to deduct up to a maximum of 10 minutes from their on-the-water time). For others it will be the pursuit style course or maybe just the camaraderie at a new venue, and the relaxed atmosphere.
But that’s not all, AND THIS PART IS TOP SECRET AND NEED TO KNOW STUFF, so keep it in your sail bags.

Special Harbourfront Event:

Confirmation will be made at the Skippers’ Meeting. The FLASHMOB is anticipated for 2:00 PM, July 29th, in the area of the Thistle Pavilion, water side.

FLASHMOB - a tribute to Michael Jackson’s contributions to dance and music –preformed to his hit single, Beat It. See what it’s all about and learn the moves from You Tube videos like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je1KOcBYGjM. (Keep in mind that the FlashMob videos that are showcased are from megapolitans like Stockholm. Kenora is world class in every way, but there is a considerable population difference and the “mob” will be considerably less.)

REMEMBER: It’s extremely important that information relating to this FLASHMOB is held closely. Once you’ve viewed the YouTube link above, it will become clear that spontaneity and surprise are tantamount to its success. For maximum effect, information and details about the FLASHMOB should not be shared, but when sharing is necessary, information should be disseminated strictly, on a need to know basis.

There should be lots of other kids there and media coverage, too. Let’s make history together. What a blast it will be!!

Further Information: For further information please contact: saillowisa@gmail.com

2011 Calendar of Events

May 21 Saturday, Ice Breaker Social with Highway 59, Kid’s Crafts Saturday Afternoon, hosted by Jen and Dee Hall

June 10 Friday, Beer & Wings
June 17 Friday, Northern Harbour 1st Day of Summer Party, hosted by Hall Family
June 18 Saturday Summer Solstice Race to 22 ft Bay

July 1 Friday, Canada Day Cruise to Sanderson’s Beach
July 1-5 Friday-Tuesday, Warroad Race
July 15 Friday, Fish Fry
July 16 Saturday, Queen Island Pursuit Race, Kid’s Queen Island Treasure hunt
July 22-29 Friday – Friday, Cruise Week

Jul 31-Aug 6 Sunday – Satturday, LOWISA 46
Aug 19 Friday, Dark & Stormy Night
Aug 20 Saturday, Witch Bay Pursuit Race

Sept 3 Saturday, Safety Race
Sept 3 Saturday, Frock Night - Theme: Royal Wedding

Nov 10 Thursday, Fall Lift & Awards

Auberge has some new North Sails from Bowline Yachts. Radial cut dacron Main and 135%, 3DL 155%. Count down to Race 1....

Thank God Ski Season is Over!

Highway 59 booked to play at Ice Breaker Social May 21st

Dave Christianson will once again be playing with Highway 59 at the Ice Breaker Social this year, Saturday May 21st.

Highway 59 is a 5-piece rock and classic rock cover band, playing a wide range of song favourites from both yesterday and today - but mostly yesterday. Based out of Winnipeg MB, we deliver a collection of classics that keep audiences dancing and longing from the nostalgia of music from better days while avoiding the tunes that have been beaten to death for the past two decades.

FOR SALE Sorcerer C&C 34

Sorcerer is a lovingly maintained C&C 34 built and launched in 1981. The current owners bought her in 2005 and have continued in the last owner’s footsteps of maintaining her in tip top shape. She is currently up for sale by owner with an asking price of $49,000 Cdn.

Interested parties please contact Stewart at 204-781-4601 or by e-mail stewart.anderson@manulifesecurities.ca .

July has 5 weekends this year

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This is the first time in 823 years we have had 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays, and 5 Sundays in the same month.

5 weekends (Saturday & Suanday only) happen between 5-10 years. The next years we will have 5 weekends in July are 2011, 2016, 2022, & 2033.

Sort of an extra weekend of summer...

Start planning for LOWISA 46!

This year, based on 2010 survey feedback, we are returning to the traditional format of 6 days racing, with a layover day mid-week. Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey; you provided great feedback.

Registration will take place at Northern Harbour on Saturday July 30th. Once again we will be offering a seminar, which will provide information on local knowledge, and navigating, Lake of the Woods. We’ll run that seminar on Saturday afternoon, in the vicinity of the Northern Room, at Northern Harbour. Those who are new to the lake, will find it interesting and valuable. The Skippers’ meeting and Sailors Social will follow.

Racing gets started on Sunday, July 31st, and ends on Saturday, August 6th at Northern Harbour (Pine Portage Bay). Layover day will be midweek, at Ash Rapids Camp. We are confirming details but it looks like we will have a pump-put available at Ash Rapids on layover day. Dinner and the Awards Banquet, will take place on Saturday August 6th at Northern Harbour. We’ve got a band again this year, so our closing festivities will carry on well into the evening. We are in the process of finalizing the course and once its confirmed, the Website will be updated with details and links for advance registration. Our intention is to keep costs as low as possible, but we will be in better position to confirm the entry fees once we have total cost for pump out facilities which, we expect in the next few weeks.

There will be Children’s activities throughout the week with an emphasis on having the kids gather on the islands following the races for fantastic games activities and surprises galore!!!!

Final preparations are underway for the LOWISA Youth Regatta. The 5th annual Arctic Glacier Youth Ya Gotta Regatta will held at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club again this year - the date is Friday, July 29th. We’ll get the NOR, SIs and Registration Forms up on the LOWISA and RLWYC Websites soon. As since its inception, there is no entry fee – its free; free lunch and beverages, a well run regatta with keeper trophies for winner over all, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in the Opti class, single and double handed entries. RLWYC has previously offered a use of 420s, on a limited basis, for the kids that don’t want to transport their own boats.

Red Bull Cold Rush Day 1 - Big Mountain event. Kenora's own Dave Treadway's winning line

Blast Performance Sailing

For those that are considering a trip to Vancouver, or wanting to charter a boat for the Van Isle 360 . A quick note about a performance sailing company being launched called Blast Performance Sailing located on Granville Island in downtown Vancouver. www.blastsailing.com

They will provide a CYA standard that builds on the Basic CYA learn to sail/cruise program with focus on performance sailing, sail trim and learning the fundamentals of keelboat racing versus learning to cruise.

• They will offer the CYA Basic Keelboat Racing standard as well as workshops for less experienced sailors who want to build their confidence, knowledge, and learn more about racing.
• They will also offer an Advanced CYA Keelboat Racing standard
• For serious racers, They offer match racing programs and competitive events that build high performance skills.
• They design charters for corporate clients who want to entertain their guests or colleagues through a relaxed day on the water, or who want to use sailing as a means to develop their teams.
• They are also the headquarters for the 2011 Van Isle 360 biennial race www.vanisle360.com The West Coast’s premiere Adventure race circumnavigating Vancouver Island. If you are interested, we can outfit you in a completely equipped Farr40 for the race.
http://blog.blastsailing.com/2011/01/18/how-about-a-fully-equipped-race-ready-farr-40-for-the-van-isle-360-with-a-support-trailer-to-carry--all-your-gear-for-only-18000.aspx

They are using two Farr 40 foot performance race boats, and for Blue Water Performance Cruising, a Baltic 51, highly qualified skippers and crew, and a range of performance products from Spinlock, Gill, Harken and PRO-tect tapes.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact them.

Racing Around the World Alone - CBC Premier and available on itunes

Wind Athletes Canada, an organization that supports Canadian sailing and the campaigns of several Canadian high performance sailors as they prepare for the 2012 games, produced this thrilling documentary.

Racing Around the World is the story of the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe race. 30 skippers embark on a quest to be the fastest to sail 27,000 miles around the world, non-stop, without assistance and alone on 60 foot sailboats. This is one of the most extreme challenges a human being can face. The sailors are alone at sea for months and physical and emotional strength are essential. Growlers (icebergs), sea mammals, and massive waves are a constant danger. On any day the forces of nature can bring an end to the best sailor’s well made plans. They harness the wind, hope for safe passage over the sea and push hard to win. They are a testament to the audacity of the human spirit.

Racing Around the World Alone is their story.


Racing Around the World Alone is now available for download via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMovie?id=399723498&s=143441

RATWA will premiere on CBC’s documentary channel on January 31st at 21:00 ET and 22:00 PST

Our objective is to get the word out to everyone in sailing communities across Canada so they can view the film on CBC or purchase it from iTunes. Proceeds from distribution and iTunes sales assist Wind Athletes in supporting Canadian sailors. For more information about Wind Athletes Canada visit www.windathletes.ca

A Twisted Mind!

French artist Julien Berthier has designed a fully functional boat to look as if it is sinking. The 6.5m (21ft) yacht was cut in half with a new keel and motor added so it remains in the sinking position while being fully functional. He describes it as "the permanent and mobile image of a wrecked ship that has become a functional and safe leisure object."

Berthier has taken the boat (or should I say half-a-boat) across the English Channel to London and has toured it around Europe , getting plenty of offers of assistance from unwitting good Samaritans, who would presumably be either very annoyed or rather bemused by the contraption. The designer and artist designed and built the floating installation in 2007. He named his creation Love Love.

North U Racing Tactics Seminar

North U Racing Tactics Seminar, which will be offered during the Boat Show on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Convention Centre. The seminar will run from 9:00am - 4:30pm with a 45 minutes lunch break. The instructor will be Ross MacDonald, Silver Medal winner in the Star at the Olympics in Athens.

The fee of $95 per person includes a book and a free pass for the boat show. A CD for $40 can be purchased at the door. To register call Jim Flood at 452-1227. Everyone is invited!

Coming to Northern Harbour This Summer....

Those who follow the super-yacht scene know that these giant floating mansions have grown to incorporate all manner of amenities: helipads, bowling alleys, swimming pools, garages... anything and everything you might expect in a land-locked residence, only set out to sea. But this... this is something else altogether.

Called The Streets of Monaco, this design is modeled after a section of Monte Carlo - in more ways that one. The headline feature is an on-board karting track modeled after the famous grand prix circuit. But that's hardly the extent of it. As you can see, the design bridges the gap from naval architecture to actual architecture and on to city planning.

Instead of decks, it has buildings. Instead of a swim platform, a freakin' beach. It's also got submarines, helicopters, waterfalls, movie theater, spa and more, plus sleeping accommodations for 16 guests and the 70 crew it would require to keep this puppy going. All packed into 155 meters, length overall. (That's not a typo. We don't mean 155 feet. We mean 155 meters, equivalent to 508 feet.) That's about half the size of a modern super-tanker, cruise ship or Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. For better or worse - seaworthy or not - the design stays on paper for the time being.