Canadian SeaSpray Association

In the last few days of run up before the end of 2017, it is a good time to reflect on the good times of the past year and look ahead to 2018. Feet up, hot beverage in hand, watching out the window as the inevitable winter freeze takes a hold of the landscape, the mind goes back to the warm water and steady breeze of the summer. It is easy to forget the days of rain in the spring, the stifling heat of July, the air choking smoke from the forest fires, and the endless hours sitting on the beach or on your boat waiting for the wind to blow at some regatta. Ah, but remember that big blow at Osoyoos in '07 when, as you sailed downwind, the spray from crashing into the waves soaked everything on the boat all the way to the top of the mast as you hiked off the rear doghouse, toes barely hooked in the straps, rudders singing, and how the bow tube would smash into the back of the odd wave bringing everything to a momentary, screeching halt only to release and begin the whole sequence again...

Traveling to a regatta   Perhaps next year is the year to get to one or two regattas.  It takes a big effort to attend sailing events and to help make it more enjoyable, why not plan a side trip or plan to visit some people you know along the way.  Try to book accommodations in the same campground or hotel with other competitors and plan to get together after the racing is done for some socializing. Break up a long trip with some stops of interest and to change drivers.  Work on your boat trailers to double the boats up so that two competitors can travel with one vehicle and one trailer — this can save expense, alleviate driving fatigue and boredom. If you attend a non SeaSpray regatta and sail in X-class don't forget to brag up your boat.  SeaSprays still have a lot of appeal and are a low cost competitive boat compared to many other classes.  Thinking about a new laser anyone?  $10,000 to buy one now. Fall Project Anyone?   No it's not a foiling project yet..... A few picture...

It was a smokey start to the 2017 N.A. Championship in Osoyoos, BC. Most of the west, from California to BC was plagued with wild fires in their forests which had filled the air in the Okanagan Valley with thick smoke. The first day of racing was in smokey and generally calm conditions and only one race was completed, however a strong breeze arrived in the early evening. Day two started with a sprinkling of rain, building wind as well as almost smoke free conditions, this  allowed for 5 races to be run. Day three returned to calm conditions which kept sailor on shore — fire fighting water bombers took over the lake as they made pass after pass scooping water from the area in the race course. Full results have not been received, however the top three places are: 1st - Don Snell (Newell Sailing Club) 2nd - Hamish Ferguson (Newell Sailing Club) 3rd - Mike Sonnie (Newell Sailing Club) [caption id="attachment_753" align="alignnone" width="3264"] L-R Hamish Fer...

The results of the 48th Canadian Nationals:  2017 Seaspray Nationals We had 8 Seasprays out with a couple of new participants, Jesse Kittleson from St. Mary's Sailing Club (Lethbridge, Alberta) and Aaron Neifer from LNR, Alberta were able to come and take part in the racing.  Both participants will be on the Seaspray Association membership  and hopefully will consider attending the North Americans in September in Osoyoos. Don Snell defended his title again with Hamish Ferguson placing second and Mike Sonnie in third spot. A total of 10 races were sailed over the 3 days.  Temperatures were in the mid 30's on Friday and Sunday so with lighter winds on those days made for challenging conditions for hydration. Saturday served up some ideal Seaspray wind conditions and more moderate temperatures where four longer races were completed. Hope to see you all in Osoyoos in September.