East Coast Championships

Submitted by Gregg on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 13:56

Last weekend, the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club hosted the East Coast Championships.

Henry Pedro skippered 7700 to a third place finish with help from local sailor Miles Redgate.

No word yet as to how Henry did in the Nautical Night Competitions (Knot tying, spinnaker packing & mussel eating).

Congratulations!

Pointe au Baril Regatta

Submitted by Gregg on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 13:19

While some of use were enjoying our pig, a few others headed north to the much different sailing venue of the Pointe au Baril Regatta.

Westwood had a spectacular showing: Brock Munro and Margaret Cyrzan took first place; Julie Postil and Fred Koke captured 2nd.

Congratulations!

Pig Roast Weekend Follow-up

Submitted by Gregg on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 13:12

We came , we saw, we ate pig.

While the turnout was a bit smaller than usual, those who attended enjoyed an ample helping of delicious pork, roasted mere steps away from the clubhouse deck. It was a perfect finish to a beautiful day - one that featured ideal winds for the New Skippers' Regatta, and the all-important Milk Carton Regatta.

The New Skippers Regatta featured 9 boats. While none were from Westwood, we were happy to host this opportunity for a friendly introduction to racing. And with all the new racers showing up on Fridays, I think that Westwood will have many participants next year.

Top Boat: 6888, helmed by Julie Stewart of OHCC, crewed by James Stewart,
Second: 8109, Peter Trebuss of Mooredale, with Vithi Dang
Third (by tie-breaker): 8140, Julia Mattegol of Mooredale, with Jan Carpentier
Fourth: 8144, Jenny Gibbons of J-Town, with Tony Zakrajsek

The Milk Carton Race had only 6 entrants. Unlike the one-design Albacore, these boats are designed and built to a very loose rule! Westwood turned out to be a somewhat ungracious host, taking first and second place. Prizes were appropriate to the occasion, featuring pirate-themed libations among other things.

1st: Pablo, Westwood
2nd: Laurie, Westwood
3rd: Derek, Mooredale (wishing there was a drop - a DNF in the first race pulled down the two bullets which followed!)

Friday Night Racers! - Tonight's Check-in Time is 5:30pm (not 6:00pm)

Submitted by Gregg on Fri, 08/19/2011 - 13:13

Hello Friday Night Racers! - Check-in Time is 5:30pm (not 6:00pm)

According to the schedule, tonight is a 6:45pm start on the Inner Harbour. All Friday Night races will now be at 6:45, which means an earlier "normal" check-in time of 5:45pm for the rest of the season. But since tonight is on the Inner Harbour, we also have to check in another 15 minutes early. So, 5:30 it is.

Don't be late -- there are lots of people signed up and you might lose your ride. Also,you wouldn't want to miss your tow.

Nacra Incident - Update

Submitted by Gregg on Wed, 08/17/2011 - 12:50

Hi Everyone -

I'd like to thank those who offered comments on how we should approach the situation, and particularly those who have offered suggestions for improvements to our policies and procedures. These will be considered in due course, and I intend to share our revised policy with our neighbours so that any lessons learned can be leveraged to the maximum extent.

We are now in that difficult period where it seems like nothing is happening. The event is out of the press, but the boat isn't back at the club. Opinions are being shared freely, but there has been no formal investigation to determine the facts or to assess them. To some extent, there is a tension between keeping everyone informed and treating everyone's interests fairly.

So, here's what's happening:

1. Arrangements are being made to have the boat moved to the Nacra dealer, where it will be assessed by an insurance adjuster in conjunction with the dealer (the insurance company was informed of the potential claim). Once this has been done, we will know the boat's real condition and what needs to be done. Only then will we have a real idea of when the boat will be returned to service.

2. A small committee will be established by the executive to review the situation and to make recommendations to the executive. This committee will be comprised of an appropriate mix of executive members and subject matter experts. I expect the committee will look at the specific events first, but will also offer suggestions regarding changes to ensure an even safer sailing program in the future. You will be told the committee's mandate and composition as soon as the executive knows. We intend this to be very soon, and we hope that the committee will be able to proceed expeditiously.

3. In the interim, Charlie and Gord have been reminded that they can sail only within the confines of the Outer Harbour. This is the same approach which would be taken with any member in the circumstances. Any exceptions would have to be approved by the Vice-Commodore.

I trust this brings you up to date and answers any immediate questions.

Nacra Incident

Submitted by Gregg on Fri, 08/12/2011 - 14:51

Hi Everyone -

I expect you've heard about the recent incident in which a catamaran could not be recovered after a capsize, resulting in two members drifting far out onto the lake with the overturned boat on Wednesday evening. Their overdue return was noted and the Toronto Police Marine Unit was notified shortly after dark. The subsequent search, which was supported by the dispatch of a Hercules aircraft from CFB Trenton, successfully retrieved both sailors at about 0130 hours Thursday. As the incident was covered by the media, this became the topic of intense discussion yesterday.

I would like to bring everyone up to speed:

1. Our system worked. The boat was properly signed out, the failure to return was noted, and a search was immediately initiated.
2. Our sailors were well-prepared for the situation, being dressed appropriately and having flares. They remained cool-headed and waited for rescue. They were brought back to Westwood and were able to leave there for home.
3. The boat has suffered some damage. It was recovered and is sitting with the salvage operator, who was contacted yesterday.
4. Initial notice has been provided to our insurance broker. Formal notice will be provided by Monday. The adjustment process will proceed and we will determine if a claim is required. The boat will then be retrieved.

I am very relieved with the outcome. However, while it was nice to receive the kind words from Ontario Sailing regarding the success of our system, I think we would be remiss to conclude that it is perfect. This incident provides a strong reminder that we can always improve upon past practice. The executive had recently been discussing potential procedural changes - this discussion will take on an increased urgency now. We intend to review the situation, to develop and share our "lessons learned," to think about the "what-ifs" which could have led to a much different outcome, and to determine appropriate changes.

In the meantime, please try to refrain from idle speculation based on partial and potentially inaccurate information. At the same time, please don't hesitate - now or ever - to suggest changes which would improve everyone's safety.

Pig Roast & New Skippers' Regatta - Saturday, August 13

Submitted by Gregg on Fri, 08/05/2011 - 15:13

I'm sure you're looking at the calendar to see what's coming.

And you've been planning on the Pig Roast since last year - or at least since last month's Ribfest at the Westwood Regatta. Or you've earned your Bronze IV and Skipper status and are wondering what to do with it ... and you've heard about this race especially for people like you. Or maybe you're just ready for another great Westwood party.

Whatever the case, mark it on your calendar now -- Westwood's Pig Roast & New Skippers' Regatta is on Saturday, August 13.

For new skippers, Westwood will run a regatta meant to introduce you to the wonderful world of racing. Formal details to follow, but traditionally, it is open to you if: (i) you have Skipper status at one of the OHSF clubs, and (ii) you haven't helmed in a Friday Night race in the previous or earlier season. Since this race is meant to encourage people to start racing, we reserve the right to disqualify ringers (if Russell "I capsize multis for a living" Coutts shows up, he won't be considered 'new' even if it looks like he might have issues). Crew should have Helm status at least, but can't be ineligible to be skipper if they're a ringer (we want the new skipper to be the skipper, not just a driver responding to commands). We might be a little more lenient, but if you're a professional crew, you should find another way to have fun.

Like building a boat for the traditional dock-to-dock milk carton race, held before dinner.

The Pig Roast part should be pretty self-explanatory. There's this pig ... and we'll have someone roast it for us ... right at the clubhouse. And soon there won't be any more pig. Mmmmm, pig (veggie options for those not as enthused as I am). And then we'll dance the night away.

Of course, we'll need lots of members to pitch in to help make all of this happen: cooks, race committee, etc. Please volunteer your services when Gord or Bill come asking!

Stay tuned for details.

Updated: OHSF Youth Sailing Program - Volunteers Needed!

Submitted by Gregg on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 12:53

Youth Sailing Program

In conjunction with other sailing clubs from the Outer Harbour Sailing Federation, Westwood will be hosting 16 youth sailors from August 8th - 12th for a week of sailing instruction. There will be a morning class from 10:30am - 12:30pm and an afternoon class from 1:30pm - 3:30pm each with eight students. The sailors are young people(ages 13 - 17) who are being introduced to the fun of sailing. Two instructors are lined up to teach the sessions and we offer our boats.

We do need a few volunteers, to help the instructors in different ways. If you are available during the day to help, please email Allison Conliffe with your name at pastcommodore [at] westwoodsailing [dot] ca

This a great way to build our community involvement and introduce inner city youth to the sport of sailing.

For more information, see OHSF's Press Release.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Congratulations to Marty Cameron!

Submitted by Gregg on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 11:55

Congratulations are due to Marty Cameron, who won his class in the Lake Ontario 300. Marty was sailing Allegro, his Pearson Flyer 30.

CANCELLED: White Sail 'D' Make-up Class (Sat, July 30)

Submitted by Gregg on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 11:29

A make-up class for White Sail 'D' had been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 30. It has been cancelled.

The most recent crop of White Sail students had an outstanding pass rate. Only a couple did not achieve their White Sail III certification and Westwood Helm status. They have been encouraged to keep practicing over the next few weeks!

We intend to hold a general White Sail make-up class towards the end of the summer. It will be open to all students who have yet to achieve Level III.

Gregg's blog