Two of the wildest, fun, social sailing events on the annual NSC calendar were held this past weekend August 19-20! And with some fantastic weather, organization, and eager turnouts this year’s Midnight Madness and Harbourmasters certainly didn’t disappoint in the fun department.
Midnight Madness Race (Moonlight sailing!): Friday’s nighttime race certainly lived up to its billing. Full moon, clear skies, glow sticks on river marks, gentle SE breeze of 4-8knots, and a pile of happy boats lit up like Christmas trees calling out to each other. With such a gorgeous night, the vote was for two laps around H and E marks, and the sailing continued beyond midnight. I can still hear that ‘new country’ music streaming from Jalapeno, and the exclamations of joy of those experiencing this unique event for the first time!
Our thanks to Chair Jay Morden, Race Bosun’s Wynn and David who orchestrated a great, safe night for all. 12 NSC boats made it out to the start area, a fabulous return to years of old.
(Int’l) Harbourmaster’s Race (Big people in little boats): Strange orange channel marks, spectators gathered on boats and the deck, the shiftiest, most variable tricky sailing conditions, Open Bics tacking between A and W, spills and thrills, random large mobile marks, years of training, and a biting running commentary with competitor interviews. It can only be one event, NSC’s answer to Rio’s Olympic sailing, the Int’l Harbourmaster’s Race!
This year’s competition featured the return of perennial favourite “Doug Brown”, other past winners, and the usual controversies associated with such a sought after prize. After multiple qualifying heats and two semi-finals, it came down to the medal round with one of the tightest, hard fought finishes on record. Down the final stretch, the lead changes, covering, and display of boat handling skill was absolutely stellar! Congratulations to 2016’s podium finishers:
- Kieran Whalen-Hughes (Trained with Open 60 “Oh Canada”)
- Ron Schute (“The Admiral”)
- Doris Parolin (Supported by not less than 2! specialist dinghy coaches)
After the awards ceremony, it was live music on the deck and a deserved chill break before the Tragically Hip party later.
Our thanks to volunteers Jay Morden (promotion, prizes, boat rigging), Barbara James (PRO/Chief Judge), Paul Wagner (Registration), Morgan McMillan (Guest Commentator) and others who stepped in true NSC spirit. Our staff including Hospitality, Race Bosun Emma Heller, Bosun Alex, School Manager Callum Smith (Open Bic loans) who made it possible. And special mention to all the good-natured NSC “Big Boats” trying to navigate to/from the service docks.