Canadian Nationals – Ontario Open

Hamilton, July 6-7, 2013. Regatta report by Harri Palm

The 2013 Canadians/Ontario Open were held July 6-7 at Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. As well as being the Canadian Championship, this “two in one” regatta is also open to all SCIRA members so US sailors often make the trip north to compete in Canadian waters. The conditions in”The Hammer”were at the extremes for Snipe sailing.

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Day one gave the sailors extremely light wind from the west/southwest and PRO Ross Cameron wisely held of a start until an easterly thermal filled in mid-day. The thermal and the gradient battled throughout the race making for tricky racing. Jno and Karen Disch from Cleveland were on fire and walked away with the race. It would be the only race of the day. After five hours on the water, the exhausted sailors were glad to return to RHYC for the traditional Cook Your Own Steak Dinner.

Sunday was the opposite of Saturday. Starting at 10-12 knots from the southwest and building all day to gusts in the 18 knot range, the racing was thrilling and eventful. Gear failures and capsizes did not dampen the competitiveness of the fleet. Andy Klein and Jessica Claflin were consistent with no finishes worse than a second in the entire regatta. That included going back to re-start after being called OCS in race 3. They win the Ontario Open with an impressive effort.

Snipe newcomer Evert McLaughlin from RCYC and Mooredale’s Anna Sepko were the top Canadian team with consistent finishes. Sailing “The Old Battleaxe” 28045, McLaughlin showed great form in only his second Snipe regatta. With a good boat and some more training, he will be a force in future events. Guelph’s Harri Palm and Molly Kurvink overcame a rough day one to end up second Canadian boat with Chris Hains and Barb Mann only a point behind.

Canadians_2013.pdf