An armada of yachts will sail out of Port Credit this summer to tackle Lake Ontario.
Considered one of the most challenging sailboat races on the Great Lakes, the Lake Ontario 300 (LO 300) starts at 11 a.m. on July 21 at Port Credit Yacht Club.
With a couple of months left to sign up, organizers are anticipating a record turnout for the event, which was established in 1990.
“We’ve been growing about 35 per cent annually over the past few years,” said race spokesperson Lynda Townsend. “This year, we’re expecting more than 100 boats, with some 300 crew members, to participate.”
At least 18 of the boats hail from this city, mainly from the Port Credit Yacht Club.
“It will be the largest fleet from any club,” said Townsend.
Expected to be among the homegrown sailors is Derek Hatfield, who singlehandedly sailed his yacht, Spirit of Canada, around the world a few years ago, becoming the 126th person to ever have done it.
Unlike any of the long-distance races on the Great Lakes, the LO 300 circumnavigates Lake Ontario. It’s also the second-longest of the races with most marks to navigate, challenging both beginners and experienced sailors.
Over the years, a variety of courses have been used, all at least 300 nautical miles (approximately 335 land miles) straight line distance. Since yachts cannot sail directly into the wind, some could sail as much as 400 miles and take four days or more to complete the race.
“Because winds vary considerably both in strength and direction depending on location and time of day, one challenge is to find the fastest route between marks. Especially for double-handed crews, the challenge is staying awake,” said Townsend, who has participated in three races herself, winning in 2000. “Add in the extremes of weather — storms or sitting under a hot sun with no wind — and a plethora of flies, and the challenge gets that much greater.”
It’s worth it, though, because all boats completing the race are eligible for a draw for a trip anywhere in North America. The winner will sail home with $500 in prize money. In addition, there are flags and trophies for division winners, overall winners and special categories.
Spectators are not left out; there’s a photo contest for shutter-bugs.
A new wrinkle this year is that all yachts will carry a transponder, provided by title sponsor Solmar Development Corp., which will allow anyone to follow their progress via the internet.
“This puts us in the big leagues of yacht racing,” said Townsend.
The Canadian Coast Guard will track boats to ensure nobody gets lost and to alert freighters and tankers to race traffic.