In what has become a cornerstone of the North American Ultra-High Performance Sailing Calendar for the first weekend of June, the Nepean Sailing Club once again hosted the Ottawa Skiff and Cat Grand Prix on June 2 and 3, with a coached clinic on June 1st. Unlike other regattas whose participants are mostly local amateurs, the Grand Prix has firmly established NSC on the North American high performance scene due to the latest evolution in sailing designs, as well as its high calibre participants. Here is a regatta that regularly sees past and current Olympic campaigners, professional boat builders, the nation’s top sailing coaches, and sheer adrenaline junkies precariously navigating their speed machines to speeds of upwards of 20+ knots.
With the Grand Prix in its 9th year, it’s become extremely well known on the continental stage, attracting 41 boats in 2012 in the latest International 14s, 29ers, 49ers, International Canoes, and a myriad of catamarans including the Tornado.
On Friday, a handful of sailors were lucky to receive coaching from Rob Frost, whom with his team-mate Tom Arbuckle, just narrowly missed qualifying for the 2012 London Games on their Olympic 49er. Rob ran some excellent boat handling drills, followed with some speed training, with video debrief following.
During the regatta, the Skiffies and cat sailors saw challenging, shifty conditions, with winds ranging from 0-12 knots, getting 5 races off on the Olympic Circle over two days thanks to Dave Searle and his reputable team of RCs-R-Us.
Other than the latest in sailboat design, and extreme top level competition, the Grand Prix is also known for NSC’s legendary social atmosphere and 2012 did not disappoint. Following racing, the 49er fleet held a public debrief where top sailors shared the keys to racecourse success and with a Q&A period to help the fleet develop. The Galley served a fantastic dinner, and the evening festivities alternated between Stanley Cup Final Hockey and music by the Acoustic Shooters during an open bar for those of age.
The biggest thank you of all though goes out to our sponsors: The Chandlery, Beau’s, CCI, as well as the individuals who made this all happen; the Ottawa Skiff Racing Fleet and the Race Committee headed up by David Searle.
Everyone is looking forward to next year’s edition and whatever it may bring. Hopefully it’s nuclear windy, since a regatta without breakage just isn’t the same!
See the Results, and some great photos, courtesy of LukaBartulovik@Kalu.ca.
Matt Davidge
Regatta Chair, OSCGP 2012