International events

CA-Nepean OPEN Un-Regatta, 11-12 July 09

CA-Nepean OPEN Un-Regatta, 11-12 July 09

Nepean Sailing Club played host to the O'Pen Bic Un-Regatta the weekend of July 11-12. This new format of a "Un-regatta" puts the emphasis on having fun, and is targeted at youths aged 8 to 14.

On Saturday morning, the weather forecast looked absolutely awful, with a forecast for severe thunderstorms, 30 mm of rain and winds gusting 25 knots. While the first line of thunderstorms passed through, everyone enjoyed a wonderful breakfast of muffins, fresh fruit, juice (and coffee for the parents). The weather then cleared and the twenty-three young sailors hit the water. The winds were light, but one short fun race was held before everyone returned to the dock as the second line of thunderstorms pummelled the Youth Centre, offering an impressive light and sound show. The timing was perfect for a lunch break. After lunch, the radar showed that it would be an hour or more before the thunderstorms passed, so most of the group headed up to the NSC East Room and watched a movie on the big screen.
Before 2 o'clock, the rain started to let up, so the fleet again headed out, completing three more fun races in very light conditions. The races involved simpler windward-leeward courses of only one lap, the first two rounding to port, the third confusingly to starboard. There were actually a couple of boats that rounded the leeward mark backwards AND the wrong way around, but given the degree of difficulty no penalties were needed. Each race included at least one freestyle leg, where competitors were required to carry out at least one capsize, double spin or cool trick.

All race finishes were recorded but the results were kept secret over night to ensure that the focus remained on fun and sportsmanship rather than the traditional competition. Points were deducted from competitors' totals for observed tricks, acts of sportsmanship and anyone who was clearly having fun. These points were taken by the considerable flotilla of observers (mostly parents and NSC volunteers) in various small power boats. The numbered jerseys from Bic made this job very easy.

The fleet returned to shore ~4:00 Saturday, just as the sun started to shine. The BBQs were started, and a wonderful dinner of burgers, hot dogs, salads and an impressive selection of desserts was served under the tent at the Youth Centre. More severe thunderstorms rolled through just to the north, but avoided NSC, and by 6:30, things were slowing down, as people dispersed, in anticipation of sun and wind for Sunday.

Sunday dawned as forecast, cool and sunny with a light to moderate wind out of the west. Another scrumptious and healthy breakfast was served in the East Room at 9 a.m., and the fleet hit the water around 10 o'clock, for 3 more fun races. This time the "square course" was sailed, which includes a mandatory "720" on the second leg for all racers. With a str onger and more consistent breeze, there was a lot more sailing and the competitors had clearly become very comfortable with their boats, the racing and their fellow racers. Lunch was served on shore at noon, and then all boats were launched two or three at a time for the "Full-On Free Style Event" where everyone was challenged with doing ever more complex and interesting tricks right off the docks at the NSC Youth Centre. This allowed the now considerable crowds and TV cameras to cheer on the action and get a great view of all the fun.

With the racing finished and all the kids off the water, the prize-giving was held in the East Room around 2:30. Prizes were awarded to those 12 and over (1st - Jean-Matthieu Bolland, 2nd - Grayson Beairsto, 3rd - James Mosco), those under 12 (1st - Jojo Koppernaes, 2nd - Cameron McDonald, 3rd - John Gardner), and to those with the most points for tricks, good sportsmanship, and generally having the most fun (1st - Connor Bailey, 2nd - Ophelia Bradly, 3rd - Jean-Matthieu Bolland). This was followed by the draw for the new O'Pen Bic. The winner, Madeleine Morrin, was over-joyed, but in shock; her younger brother, Hugh (Jr.), was ecstatic! And he immediately took their new boat out for its maiden sail.

A huge thank you to Regatta Chair & Commodore Jeff Nelson, Fleet Captain Dave Bradly, PRO Wynn Davies and all the Sailing School Instructors, Kathryn Underhill and all her helpers who arranged the food, and all the competitors and parents who made this regatta such a success! Also, many thanks to the sponsors: Schooner Yacht Sales, The Chandlery, Ottawa Sailing School, and Subway at College Square.
The Un-regatta made the CTV News at Six (see the news clip for July 12, 2009 - the 2 minute clip begins at 07:25), and a large selection of photos of the weekend's activities is available on Albert Heller's Picasa site.

 


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