Lake Ontario 300

Canadian Yachting Photo Contest Winners!

Guy Perrin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:27:41 +0000

Here are the winning photographs in the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge Canadian Yachting Photo Contest!

Nature Category

Jeffrey Dimitru, Sassafras

Andrew Newbury, Southern Cross

Team Category

Brian Townsend, Folichon

Jeffrey Dimitru, Sassafras

Humor Category

Greg Yaneff, Sassafras

Ted Crouse, Iliad

Video Category

http://youtu.be/o2gqLxeP9ms
Chris Watkinson, Afterburn

News from Sail-World.com

Guy Perrin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:42:33 +0000

Blue Streak is the 2011 Sperry Cup winner!

Guy Perrin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:31:11 +0000

Congratulations to Sperry Cup winner Robert Eckersley and the Blue Streak crew from Queen City Yacht Club! Find the top three finishers in each division below. You can view the compete Race Results on Yacht Scoring!

Scotch Bonnet Island Course

PHRF-LO NFS – Double Handed
1. Naxos, CAN33052, Mark Boudreau
2. Southern Cross, CAN37, Mike Newbury
3. Bow Movement, H 36, David Medhurst

PHRF-LO NFS – Full Crew – 1
1. Abracadabra, CAN41888, Klaus Noack
2. Seaforth, 54388, Andrew Gustajtis
3. DJ CATS, CANB461, Duncan Smith

PHRF-LO NFS – Full Crew – 2
1. Allegro, USA174, Marty Cameron
2. Ticker Tape, 34811, Donald Lounsbury
3. Ola, CAN27, Mario Perez-Perez

PHRF-LO NFS – Full Crew – 3
1. Gypsy Wind, USAT3500, Ernest Pipiles
2. Keego II, CAN687, Peter Chalkley
3. SeaCastle, CAN20286, Craig Castle

PHRF-LO NFS – Full Crew – 4
1. French Vanilla, CAN14, Harvey Ostrander
2. Wind Dancer, CAN4500, Kevin Williams
3. Kalona, CAN131, Philip Meiliunas

PHRF-LO NFS – Full Crew – 5
1. Iliad, CAN13, Roger Petersen
2. Escape, CAN720203, Mark Nalewajko
3. Temerity, CAN425, Peter Vetter

PHRF-LO FS 171 and greater – DH
1. Skeena, CAN1483, Rick Veenhuizen
2. Doralla, CAN54048, Kirk Allan
3. Apres Vous, CAN155, William Davidson – 4/DNF, ; 4

PHRF-LO FS 171 and greater – FC
1. Sebana, CAN102, Stewart Lindsay
2. Distant Thunder, CAN69, Bob Gauthier
3. Airborne 2, CAN102, Bob Hickson

Main Duck Island Course

Solo Challenge – Single Handed
1. Mythos, CAN6204, Ted Spanos
2. Striker, USA53534, Jan Steyn
3. GL3, USA1, William Tucker

IRC – Full Crew – 1
1. Happy Puppy, CAN29, Daniel McKindsey
2. Kaizen, USA27, Oleg Melnikov
3. IMXtreme, CAN69937, Joe MacDonald

IRC – Full Crew – 2
1. Blue Streak, CAN314, Robert Eckersley
2. Jeager, CAN25202, Leszek Siek
3. Lively, CAN265, Murray Gainer

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – DH – 1
1. Nemesis, CAN18, Mike Innell
2. MacIntosh, CAN34539, Durk Steigenga
3. Demon’s Dance, CAN51, Ric Doedens

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – DH – 2
1. Gizmo, CAN177, Brent Hughes
2. Emerald, CAN24200, Paul Willis
3. LES, CAN1111, John Hagen

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – FC – 1
1. Shorthanded, CAN43635, Michael Pietz
2. Tango, CAN156, Pierre Savard
3. Star Chaser, CAN008, Ken Martin

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – FC – 2
1. Encore, USA60145, Tony Byrne
2. Setanta, CAN227, Bob Bugbee
3. Sassafras, CAN3100, Colin Brown

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – FC – 3
1. Tracker, CAN84717, Ken Graham
2. At Ease , CAN15, Jonathan Bamberger
3. Liberte 39, CAN009, Martin Lachapelle

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – FC – 4
1. UMI TAKA, CAN32835, Dennis Dice
2. Ragtime, CAN34432, Michael VanderVaart
3. Sumac, CAN4141, Peter Smith

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – FC – 5
1. Folichon, CAN34888, Ian McAllister
2. Nick’s Café, 4721, Patrick Muise
3. Aponivi, CAN3312, Eric Neate

PHRF-LO FS 183 and less – FC – 6
1. Rebellion, CAN44138, Michael Kahu
2. Silver Bullet, USA32965, Torsten Doering
3. Seajay, CAN218, James Johnstone

Evolution of the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge

Guy Perrin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:29:41 +0000

Twenty-one years ago the Lake Ontario Single Handed Racing Society formed the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge as the ultimate long distance race for double handed sailors. Three Hundred Nautical Miles, non-stop from one end of Lake Ontario to the other and returning back to the start. The race was an inspiration after some of the LOSHRS members raced the Chicago MAC race, which is probably why the distance was set as a length slightly longer than the MAC.

The LO300 Challenge was designed as more than just a distance challenge, it was about navigation, negotiating the shipping lanes, the varying winds experienced in different parts of the lake, multiple roundings and an out and back style of course. Perhaps, most importantly, it was about preparation and sailing skills.

Originally, this race was created for the fleet of dedicated single-handed sailors and the experienced sailors looking for a new challenge. A few of these original participants are still competing today, which is a testimony in itself to the attraction of this race. When the race was first announced in 1990 it appealed to a variety of participants from the serious racers to cruisers, husband and wife teams, father and son teams and of course the “rock Stars” of the day. When all was said and done everyone experienced a totally new challenge.

Over the years the LO300 has evolved and now encompasses a wide range of yachts with a wide range of motivations to participate. Today’s Lake Ontario 300 is a more exciting race at a variety of levels and divisions for various reasons.

In the first two years all participants competed with spinnakers. White Sail participants were introduced to the race in 1992 and out of a total of 81 participants, 11 competed in White Sail.

By 1997 the number of participants had started to decline and a fully-crewed division was added to allow more boats to compete in the challenge. Naturally some double-handed yachts converted to fully-crewed, but there were new yachts taking up the challenge. Unfortunately though, the race was not being marketed or promoted well and the number of participants hit an all-time low in 2000. (see attached participation graph)

By the year 2000 participation in the double-handed division was 49%, fully crewed accounted for 50% of the racers and there was one white sail participant. Even though the numbers had decreased the make up of the participants had changed dramatically from the original double-handed race.

Fortunately some course design changes, and some basic marketing started to get the word out about the race and by 2003 the number of entries had doubled. It was a challenging race in 2003 and it made organizers realize that something had to be done to accommodate white sail participants. Out of the total of 6 white sail entries in 2003; none of them finished the race.

In 2004, a 200 nautical mile shortened race was added to the LO 300 Challenge to create a more realistic course for white sail participants. The addition of this course was well received and had immediate effects. The numbers started to increase in both fully crewed and double handed fleets from 6 entries in 2003 to 44 entries in 2007 representing 42% of total participants. This dramatic change to the race is one that has been a contributor in introducing many cruisers to this challenge.

It was at this time that the organizing committee developed a solid long-term marketing strategy designed to expand the LO300 and make it the most prominent race on the lakes. This strategy has successfully resurrected the race with a combination of new participants, new divisions and some veteran participants returning to take up the Challenge.

Over the last 5 years a combination of promoting and making necessary changes to this event, the LO300 has been successful in attracting a consistent number of new competitors as well as providing an opportunity for competitors to migrate from one division to another.

The attached graph demonstrates how the race has dramatically changed over the last 5 years and how it offers a challenge to just about every sailor on the lakes.

In 2007 a Multi-Hull division was added to the race.
In 2008 an IRC division was created in response to the need for a competitive division and handicap system to accommodate the Sport Boats.
In 2008 the course was redesigned as a permanent circumnavigation for both the White Sail and Spinnaker divisions, incorporating both historic islands on the lake, which creates an attraction for many sailors.
In 2009 a Single Handed Division was added and greeted with great enthusiasm. This division has already started to expand demonstrating that sailors are still looking for a new challenge. (Amazing that single-handed sailors created the race in 1999 and in 2009 a single-handed division was first added to the race.)
The latest change was the addition of spinnakers to the Scotch Bonnet Island course. This change was intended to make the race more appealing for smaller and higher PRHF yachts looking to compete flying spinnaker. The 200-mile race is still very challenging and the average finish time is in with the rest of the fleet.

When looking at the range of fleets in the 2010 race compared to the 2003 race it is no wonder this event has now grown to become the premier yachting event on Lake Ontario and is a major yachting event on the great lakes. The appeal of this ultimate challenge is now attracting a larger number of US yachts and the Sport Boats looking to enhance their résumé’s with a LO300 victory. From short-handed to fully crewed, spinnaker vs. white sail this race has it all. The 2010 race was an experience for all who started with over 30% of the starters not finishing due to very challenging conditions. This year’s event will be another exiting one to participate in with many returning from last year to challenge the lake and take care of unfinished business. This year friends and family will be able to follow the excitement with a new satellite tracking system.

As demonstrated on the attached chart indicating participants by fleets, it is clear to see that the Main Duck Island Course and the Scotch Bonnet Island have taken on a new look that creates some exciting opportunities. The majority of competitors are still flying spinnakers. There has been a migration from white sail to spinnaker and the reverse has also happened. The objective of the LO300 over the last 5 years has been to ensure the “Challenge” is available to as many yachts that want to take it up and based on the number of new competitors already registered for this year’s race, the objective of the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge will be realized once again.

by Brian Townsend, June 2011

About your Rating Certificates

Guy Perrin — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:08:23 +0000

In order to race, you need a rating certificate. There are three handicapping or rating systems in use on Lake Ontario, PHRF Lake Ontario (PHRF LO) and IRC for Monohulls and GLMRA for Multihull boats.

IRC is a measurement rule for cruiser/racer monohulls that is used around the world. Boats are measured and sometimes weighed to get a rating that is a Time on Time multipler. Certificates in Canada are arranged through the CYA, the measurment data is sent to the RORC in England where the certificate is issued. IRC is a “Secret” rule, so boats can not be designed to the rule. There are three IRC measurers in Ontario, 2 in the Toronto area and 1 in Sarnia.

PHRF (Performance Handicap Rating Formula) is a locally administered handicapping system. PHRF LO is the PHRF authority for Lake Ontario. Each member Yacht Club has one or more club handicappers who look after any measurement required and process the application for their club. PHRF LO certificates are only valid on Lake Ontario, as each PHRF regions sets its own rating for boats and a boat might have a different rating in another PHRF area. Boats coming from Lake Erie or the St. Lawrence Valley, can get a PHRF LO certificate at no cost by providing a valid PHRF certificate from their area to a club handicapper, a new PHRF LO certificate will then be issued. For racers from other areas, a PHRF LO application must be completed and a Non Member fee of $60.00 paid to PHRF LO. The fee can be paid on Pay Pal.

GLMRA ( The Great Lakes Multihull Racing Association) issues ratings to Multihull boats on the Great Lakes. Certificates are only valid on the great lakes.

In order to get any certificate, you need to have the proper information on your boat, class of boat, type of keel, type of prop and sail dimensions. A lot of boats have different versions of the same boat, tall or short rigs, deep or shallow keels, wing keels, keel centerboards etc. It important that you give the correct information on your application Sail dimensions should be obtained from your sailmaker.

For an IRC certificate, you need to contact an IRC Measurer, you can do this through the CYA.

IRC information can be found at http://www.lorc.org/IRC.htm or

http://www.sailing.ca/racing/offshore_racing_and_regulations/irc_in_canada/

For a PHRF LO certificate you need to contact your club handicapper if your club is a member of PHRF LO or contact PHRF LO direct if your club is not a member or you are from another PHRF area. PHRF LO information can be found at http://www.phrf-lo.org/

For a GLMRA certificate contact GLMRA at http://www.lake-eriemultihull.com/index.html.

By Graham Dougall, John Crawley, Alison Jones and PHRF-LO.

NOR Amendment #1

Guy Perrin — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:50:48 +0000

The Lake Ontario 300 Challenge Race Committee has posted an amendment to the Notice of Race; it is available on the Lake Ontario 300 Yacht Scoring registration page.

As a result of skippers feedback and inquiries, and in an effort to remain as inclusive as possible, the Organizing Committee has agreed to provide more flexibility in course options to Flying Sails (Spinnaker) yachts. As a result, yachts with a rating between PHRF-LO Flying Sails 171 and 183 inclusive can select to race on their choice of the Scotch Bonnet Island Course or the Main Duck Island Course.

Registration Bonus

Guy Perrin — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:17:52 +0000

Register for the Lake Ontario 300 before the Susan Hood Trophy Race on June 3rd and qualify to win a pair of Bushnell binoculars.

Every boat could use an extra pair of Bushnell Binoculars and it can be as easy as registering for the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge.

At the Susan Hood Pre-Race information session a draw will be held from all the LO300 entries to that point and one lucky skipper will win these great binoculars. A prize like this should be enjoyed throughout the sailing season and not at the end of the season so we will have them on hand and ready to use in the race.

Bushnell Marine Binoculars 7x 50mm w/ Digital Compass

3-Axis Digital Compass and ranging reticle
BaK-4 porro prisms for bright, clear, crisp viewing
Fully Multi-coated optics for superior light transmission and brightness
100% waterproof / fogproof
O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to keep out moisture
Highly resistant to saltwater corrosion
Non-slip, non-skid rubber armor cushions bumps and shock, prevents sliding and provides a firm grip when wet
Hermetically sealed
Fold-down eyecups

The value found in the LO300 Challenge is unmatched

The Lake Ontario 300 organizing committee and our sponsors work hard throughout the year to make this event unmatched in the experience for the competitors to ensure they receive value from their participation.

Included in your boats registration are the following:

Excellent sailing experience
Pre Race Party, with Old Credit Brewery sponsored by Masons Chandlery and The Rigging Shoppe
Skippers Shirts for every skipper sponsored by HUB International Insurance
Crew will receive a Mount Gay Rum LO300 hat (supplies are limited)
Crew will receive a Sperry Top-Sider LO300 T-shirt (supplies are limited)
Complimentary Pre-Race Breakfast sponsored by Sperry Top-Sider
Finishing line Chilli or stew served to all participants, sponsored by Diversicare Canada.
The LO300 Crew Bags are provided to every boat, with lots of little treats and products to try out during the race.
Extra large full colour stitched Division Flags sponsored by North Sails
Satellite Tracking System included in registration.
Boat Stickers are provided for every competing yacht. Tuesday night post race party with Labatts sponsored by PlazaCorp

Yellowbrick to provide race tracking in 2011

Guy Perrin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:23:03 +0000

Great news, the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge has secured the services of Yellowbrick Tracking Services for the 2011 race. This is an exciting decision and will provide unmatched web based viewing of this year’s race.

Yellowbrick are the world’s leaders in satellite-based tracking services and use the Iridium satellite system for unmatched performance anywhere in the world.

You’ve seen Yellowbrick in some very impressive races including Velux 5 Oceans and the Rolex Fastnet Race. The decision to use the Yellowbrick system came after lengthy research by our committee and only after support from our new sponsors. Web based viewing of an offshore race plays a huge role in providing the fast growing number of fans a first hand look at the action. It has brought the promotion of yacht racing to a whole new level and Yellowbrick have some features that will dramatically improve the LO300 experience. Transmissions will be recorded every 15 minutes for close to real time viewing.

The race viewer package offered by Yellowbrick includes:

Multiple groups, or classes of yacht
Display of waypoints, markers and rhum line
Historic tracks, as well as the current locations of yachts, replay
Display of speed and course for each yacht
Display of country flag, skipper name and yacht name
Link to individual yacht blog, if provided
Weather (GRIB) information via PredictWind, look at future wind data

Check them out at www.yellowbrick-tracking.com.

Diversicare Canada – New Silver Sponsor

Guy Perrin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:17:10 +0000

Welcome Diversicare Canada as a Silver Sponsor to the Lake Ontario 300 Challenge.

Diversicare is a leader in long-term care, residential care and senior’s housing and will be on hand at to provide all our racers with a hearty bowl of chilli or stew once you retire after the race.

Diversicare’s newest state of the art facility is opening this spring in downtown Port Credit.

Located in Port Credit at Hurontario St. and Lakeshore Blvd.
150 Suites – 6 story building
Studio, One-Bedroom, Two Bedroom (some + den and balcony)

Independent and Full Service Includes:

Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks daily
Weekly housekeeping and linen service
Recreation activities, entertainment, day trips
Fitness and Wellness Centre, Spa, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy
Swimming Pool for aqua fitness and recreation

Full Service Includes:

All of above plus…
Personal laundry service
Medication management
Assistance with light personal care
Trial, Vacation, Respite (after hospital stays) are available –include:
Private furnished suites with telephone, television and emergency response
Respite stays – Full Service care included with this stay

Updated Schedule for the Winter Info Sessions

Guy Perrin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:06:19 +0000

Recent changes in yacht club space availability have caused us to modify our Winter Information Sessions schedule.

Complete details will be available soon, in the meantime, mark your calendars for the new updated dates and locations near you:

(Feb. 8 update)

Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club	February 23 (previously Feb. 25)
National Yacht Club	March 16 (unchanged)
Royal Hamilton Yacht Club	Event Potponed due to Inclement Weather
Port Credit Yacht Club	March 30 (previously Apr. 14)