June 21, 2015
In Ontario, boats from Canada and the USA met for the second edition of the "North American 5.5m regatta", at Midland Bay Sailing Club on Lake Huron.
John Lister had again organized a long weekend for 5.5m owners, the credit for long distance travel went to Dan Rossi, with 5.5 USA 51 "Purple Haze".
John writes: "... Many thanks to all for a fun three days. I believe we had our fair share of rain this year so next year should be the best weather yet. It was a lot of fun organizing the regatta and all of you make it so easy by pitching in so well. The smiles, the helping, the conversations, the laughing, the food and drink and above all, the celebrating of these lovely wooden boats.
It was a real treat to see CAN 31 "Summer School" out on the line with Kim and Emma joining in too. What a beautiful boat. We all missed Ken this year and appreciate the lending of CAN 3 "Jill" which looks so lovely on the water as always. Bay Port is a wonderful supporter of our efforts to bring life to the racing of these classic wooden boats. The hauling and launching support makes everything so doable. Many thanks Ken, Scott, Eddie and the others who help us there.
And then there is the Doug, Bill and Hugh team. You three are great!!! One day all of us will show up for the race committee meeting on time. Your flexibility and willingness to spend three days making this all happen is so much appreciated. Sorry about the two days of rain and shifting winds
It is wonderful that Dan and the team have left "Purple Haze" at Bay Port for the summer to race in the fall regatta. All being well we will see Jill, Nantoria and Purple Haze on the line September 19/20...."
John made it to first place with his 5.5 CAN 22 "Nantoria", More boats are expected for the 2016 edition of this 5.5m Meeting, as further 5 boats from the USA and Canada could not make it this year, some of them still in restoration. And, one day, the new Dan Rossi 5.5m Design wil be on the scene as well.
Results
Here are some regatta impressions: [ All photos courtesy of Jennifer Harker | (c) Jennifer Harker ]