Amusing
Crystal Beach Ontario used to have an amusement park. This past weekend it
hosted the Albacore Ontario Championships at the Buffalo Canoe Club.
The winds at the gybe mark were 25 knots gusting to 30 with up to 6 foot
waves. The reach was a wild ride, the "crystal beach reach".
33 boats from the US and Canada competed in 6 races over 2 days.
Day 1 featured 2 races in 30 knots winds.
Once we came in to shore the sun was out and the volleyball and net were
beckoning on the beach (and beer etc).
Day 2 brought more 6 foot waves but only a gentle 10 knot wind. But that was
a trick by the gods. As the races progressed the wind came up and by the 4th
and last race of day 2 the wind was back up to an exhilarating 25 knots.
The versatility of the Albacore made these races exciting to all sailors,
from experienced near full time sailors to the 14 year old crew and everyone
in between.
Congrats to Allan Measor and Richard Piercey who finally won a major
championship after coming close many times. – Anarchist Pasqual.
