Chester Race Week News

Thanks to our sponsors

2010-08-18T11:07:00.001-03:00

PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Archambault
AIGLE

MAJOR SPONSORS
North Sails
Edgewater Power Boats
Cameron's Fine Art Antiques and Books

PRIMARY SPONSORS
PremierSEAmarine Ltd.
East River Marine
Charm Diamond Centres
Alexander Keith's
Scotiabank
Nerds on Site
Canadian Yachting and Sail-World Canada
Valverde Studio Gallery
Carroll Pontaic Buick GMC Hummer

SELECT SPONSORS
Trumps Fish
Grant Thornton
Chester Clinic Dental
Chester Pharmasave
Lighthouse Publishing
Atlantic Boating News
Sunnybrook Yachts
Chester Clipper
Chez Glass Lass
Coldwater Wharfs
Cocoa Pesto
Leonard Graphic
Shadow Security
Gosling's
Hennigar Wells Lamey Lamey & Baker

SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Macfarland's Rentals
Sure Courier
Power Dempsey Leefe and Ready
Sealand Industries
Sealand Specialized Carriers

Sponsors make it possible, volunteers make it happen!

Winners of Chester Race Week 2010

2010-08-15T10:45:00.001-03:00

Congratulations to the winners!
A1 CIAO BELLA Phillippe Paturel Skipper Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
A2 Savoury Bob Gamble Frediction Yacht Club
A3 Anticipation Ann Acland Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
B1 Defiant Mark Gosine Dartmouth Yacht Club
B2 Sly Fox James Mosher Lunenburg Yacht Club
B3 Sisu David Peer Martimon Yacht Club
Bluenose Rebel Wick McNeely Chester
Distance Class Brilliance Richard Calder Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
Crusing Class 1 Ceildih Randy Stevens Chester Yacht Club
Crusing Class 2 Tempus Fugit David McVay Chester Yacht Club
Classic Ripple Jim Rafuse Chester Yact Club
J/29 Dog Party Terry McKenna Charlottetown Yacht Club
J/24 Sticky Fingers John Whynacht

See you next year.

Thanks!

2010-08-15T10:31:00.000-03:00

Thanks to our volunteers, staff and sponsors and all others who helped to make Canada's largest keel boat regatta a success. We could not do it without you. Thanks to Race Officers Andreas Josenhans, Jay Hooper, Ray Cambria, Club Manager Kim Johnson, the judges and The Race Committee.

Our youngest skipper Amy Minnikin featured on CBC news - video link

2010-08-14T08:33:00.000-03:00

http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Local_News/NS/ID=1565991395

Start watching the video around 10:29 and you'll see Amy talking about being not only the youngest, but the only female skipper in her class. Congratulations Amy!

Whose in First Place

2010-08-14T08:18:00.000-03:00

Heading into the last race of Chester Race Week 2010, CIAO BELLA, a Archambault A40rc skippered by Phillippe Paturel of RYNS is heading the pack on A1. In A2, DUCK! a Beneteau 36.7 skippered by Rob Gale is in first place for the week and Lunenburg's Poohsticks, J/92 skippered by Colin Mann is on his way to the podium.

The 21 boat Bluenose fleet is being led by Rebel, skippered by Wick McNelly of Chester.

The Bravo fleet had two races yesterday (a Chester Race Week first) and B1 is being led by Defiant, skipper Mark Gosine of DYC. B2 is being led by Sly Fox skipper James Mosher out of Lunenburg and Sisu skipper David Peer of MYC is in first for B3.

Chester boat Seneca leads the Classic fleet and Ceilidh skippper Randy Stevens of Chester and Tempus Fugit skipper David McVay of CYC are poised to win Cruiser awards.

Brilliance skippper Richard Calder of RNYS leads Distance Class, Sticky Fingers skipper John Whynacht of Lunenburg J/24 and Dog Party skipper Terry McKenna J/29 of Charlottetown.

A lot can change in a day. Standy by for the Trophy Presentation tonight at 8:00 PM.

On the menu from 6:00 to 9:00 is a Nova Scotia favourite, haddock chowder. More AIGLE prizes at 6:00 PM and The Band Before Time, an exciting new band will be providing the evening's entertainment. The band members include some former sailing instructors.

Good sailing!

Great day on the water at Chester Race week

2010-08-13T17:27:00.000-03:00

Great wind, lots of racing. Sun, waves, sponsor day. The bluenose fleet got in 3 races and Henry Demone of CYC won all three races. The distance class had a nice round the island race to choco cap on Alpha A1, A2 and A3 had two nice long races and the J/24s and J/29s had 2 races each. Handicap classes on Bravo were treated to two races. Results being posted as we write this. It was a quintessential Chester Race Week day.

Amy Minnikin, our youngest skipper at 13 years old in a Ranger 30 painstakingly refurbished this year by her and her mother, Paula Minnikin, was featured on sail-world.com and interviewed for youtube. Check out the links below to learn more:
Sail-world story
Amy Minnikin interview on Youtube
Special thanks to Katie Nicoll of sail-world.com for writing the article and helping us get Amy featured on CBC this evening, as well as our webmaster Ryan Cameron for putting the video of Amy and Paula together this morning.

Thursday's Results / Today Ashore

2010-08-13T08:01:00.000-03:00

Light winds made conditions challenging for the Race Committee on Thursday at Chester Race Week 2010.

The Bluenose Fleet were able to complete three races with Rebel, Barbarian and Sweet Pea each picking up a first. Alpha course raced one race and More Trouble skipper Ed Backman of RNYS won A1. Duck skipper Rob Gale placed first in A2 and Chester's Eleven skipper Jonny Stevens led A3. The J/29 fleet fleet was won by Jaegar, skipper Larry Creaser of Chester. The J/24 winner was Sticky Fingers LYC skipper John Whynacht.

In overall results Ciao Bella! is leading A1, Duck A2 and Eleven A3. On Bravo, it's Head Games in B2, Sly Fox in B3 and Little One in B3. The Bluenose Fleet is led by Rebel, Classic fleet by Seneca and Cruiser by Ceilidh.

Todays' sunny conditions will be ideal for the activities ashore with The Hopping Penguins on deck for the evening dancing. Cocoa Pesto will be cooking up their famous ribs. (Tickets are going fast). Award presentation is at 7:00 PM and the AGILE draw is at 6:00.

Today's racing is likely to test light air sailing skills and with time ticking down, competition is expected to be fierce.

J29 Video Posted

2010-08-12T14:15:00.000-03:00

J/29 start Check it out!

Chester Race Week First Day/ Today on Shore

2010-08-12T10:00:00.000-03:00

Chester Race Week 2010 started out with sunny skies, warm temperatures with 142 boats racing in 13 fleets. Despite light winds, the Race Committee got in 3 races for the J/24 and J/29, 2 for Bluenose and one race for all other classes. The results were uploaded to the website right after the races. Find them there under the race tab www.chesterraceweek.com

This morning at CYC, Andreas Josenhans is discussing Ten Things To Make Your Boat Faster in light air. He will be giving more tips tomorrow at 9:30 AM.

Join the after race excitement. At 4:00 PM, Pam Paton will be playing music on the deck. Cocoa Pesto is serving Keith's Chicken BBQ. Tickets are available at the club. Guarantee your place by purchasing a ticket at the ticket window. The price is $15.

The AIGLE clothing draw will be at 6:00 PM, followed by the trophy presentation at 7:00 PM.

CYC volunteers will be selling Race Week merchandise, you can purchase AIGLE boots and gear and order Tim Wilkes photos of your boat.

See you at CYC

Class Breakdown

2010-08-11T09:04:00.000-03:00

Class List There are 139 boats registered. Check here to see who is in your class.

Registered Boats

2010-08-10T21:55:00.000-03:00

Official number of registrations, straight from the Race Committee as of the night before we kick off is 139.

Please check the notice board at CYC and the updated version on the website for some changes to the Sailing Instructions.

See everyone tomorrow! Good sailing.

Social Events

2010-08-05T17:33:00.000-03:00

Members of the community are welcome at Chester Yacht Club during Race Week. You can sit on the deck in the afternoon and enjoy the Bluenose races in front of the club. This large one design fleet is very compeitive. Warren Barkhouse of CYC, skipper of Long Shot, Chester won this fleet last year.You will be able to identify the racing fleet by the colourful AIGLE flags flying from the backstays.

Our volunteers will be selling hats and t-shirts and there will be an AIGLE clothing booth as well.

The Keith's Chicken BBQ is on Thursday and has been a traditional community night.Watch the fleet come in and mingle with the racers, see the trophies presented. Call Chester Yacht Club at 275-3747 to reserve tickets. There are other BBQ's each night. The schedule is in the Chester Times and the Chester Clipper as well as on the web site under the ASHORE tab. Tickets are limited.

On Wedneday, dance to the popular music of The Lucas Paton Band. This band was very popular last year on Saturday night. Thursday and Friday feature the Hopping Penguins and Saturday has a new band, The Band Before Time.

Don't be disappointed, purchase your tickets early.

Boat numbers

2010-08-04T10:20:00.002-03:00

Thanks for registering on time. We now have 123 boats registered.

Moorings and Slips / Tender Service

2010-08-03T14:37:00.000-03:00

If you are looking for a mooring there are a limited number of slips and moorings available for race week, contact PremiereSEA Marine Srevices a race week sponsor. They also have a diver available for bottom cleaning and underwater repairs.

We would like to also thank East River Marine a full service marina, yacht maintenance and repair facility. Both of these local businesses will be providing tender service for Chester Race Week 2010.

Thanks to everyone for registering on time. The Race Committee appreciates it.

Schedule Posted /Auction July 30 / August 1 is Sunday

2010-07-28T17:38:00.000-03:00

The 2010 Race Week Schedule is now posted. Check it out chesterraceweek.com. Click the Ashore tab.

August 1 is Sunday. After that date a late fee will be charged, so register now.

The Junior Sailing Fundraiser is Friday at 1800. You could be the one to take home the 2010 Chester Race Week Painting by Jose Valverde.

BBQ tickets are available at the bar. Help us to plan by purchasing in advance and guarantee that you will be served some delicious Cocoa Pesto food.

See you soon

Race Week Commitee

Food and Entertainment Information

2010-07-27T09:59:00.000-03:00

Eat, dance and be part of the sailing crowd at Chester Race Week 2010. The Keiths Chicken BBQ is back! Thursday night, as always!

And THIS year there will be supper at the Club every night of Race Week Cocoa Pesto will be returning with their fabulous food, every evening - Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket window, at the bar before Race Week, or online with your boat registration.

Meals are designed as follows: Wednesday ($12) Savoury Sausage and Tancook Sauerkraut with salad and roll; Thursday ($15) Keiths Chicken BBQ with various salads, corn on the cob, roll and a beverage;
Friday ($20) Southern BBQ Pork Ribs with baked beans, salad, and corn bread; and, Saturday ($15) Corn and sweet red pepper or Haddock Bacon Chowder with salad and roll.

Please purchase your tickets early as quantities are limited.

The Ticket window will be open from 0800 to 0100 on Wednesday and from 1100 to 0100 Thursday to Saturday (that's 1 in the morning for anyone who does not read marine time )
Bracelets are required after 2100. They may be purchased at the gate or ticket window for $15.One bracelet will get you admission to all of the dances. You must be 19 or older to buy a bracelet.

Speaking of dances! After 9 pm every night the Club is featuring: Wednesday The Paton Lucas Band Thursday The Hopping Penguins Friday The Hopping Penguins Saturday The Band Before Time.

You may also purchase Race Week merchandise every day at the Club! Memories!

See you there!

Racing Tips From Jim Snair of Sunnybrook Yachts/ Reminder

2010-07-23T15:29:00.000-03:00

REGISTER BY AUGUST 1 TO AVOID LATE FEES! CHECK OUT THE SCRATCH SHEET ON OUR WEB SITE... LOTS OF NEW TO CRW BOATS REGISTERED.... HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON WINNING.

WHY FOG IS GOOD!

I know we all know the "go west in sou'west" rule about Mahone Bay, but as memory serves, it doesn't always blow sou'west.

Chester Race Week brings with it a mix of weather conditions; some hung over systems and temperatures from July and some early chills and dew from fall chase each other during the mid portion of August. Us sailboat types have to discern what kind of conditions we will encounter as a result of the push pull of July versus September.

By mid August almost all the fog is gone as air temperature and local sea temperatures allign a bit. High pressure systems bring lighter airs and often those large white fluffy clouds offer us a nice 15knot sou'wester to hang our hat on. But Chester and "the bay" isn't that simple. There is a definitive lefta nd right side of the course and with it, shifts of ten or twenty degrees are quite common.

When you first arrive for Chester Race Week pay attention to the shoals, the buoys and the islands as they appear on both your GPS and near your path. Try and put a mental picture in your head when possible.

We all know “fog happens”! Its an inevitable part of sailboating….racing or cruising. If I had to think about the past three summers, I believe there may have been one day per season that seeing both the pin end of the start line and the committee boat was a challenge thanks to the white stuff.

Why is fog good? Fog is not only good for your skin(low UV plus high moisture content) but it adds a another challenge to the race. Fog adds that dimension of invisible-ness. Its hard to see competitors and hard to gauge windshifts. And there’s a hunt and seek game going on with smaller club buoys.

Fog offers the well prepared competitor a huge opportunity to pass others. Solid navigation techniques are a must. A well prepared boat(inclusive of radar reflector and nav lights) with a programmed GPS will help.

Remember – one day, there might be fog – its an easy race to win if you plan ahead! And a final tip...if you feel cold air on your neck, that's shift to the east...look towards Tancook Island...there's a fog bank out there and, and - get your boat to the east side of the race course...for the shift.

Jim Snair is the Managing Broker of Sunnybrook Yachts in Halifax and a participant at Chester Race Week since 1975.

2010 Chester Race Week T-Shirts Reserve Now!

2010-07-19T10:29:00.000-03:00

Be the first in your class to have official Race Week t-shirts.

Our volunteer clothing sales team will have official Chester Race Week t- shirts for sale. For a sneak preview:
Black t-shirts
White t-shirts
Here are the sizes:
Mens - S, M, L, XL, XXL

Womens - S, M, L, XL
Youth - XS, S, M
Toddler - 2T, 3T, 4T
The shirts may be purchases for $20 (taxes in) and $15 for toddlers.)Order t-shirts
Thanks to Victoria MacGregor our volunteer Clothing Sales Team Leader and to Leonard Graphic for the design.

Sailworld.com article

2010-07-16T15:13:00.001-03:00

http://www.sail-world.com/Canada/Learn-from-the-Best-at-Chester-Race-Week-2010!/72068
Check out this article on Chester Race Week.

2010 Chester Race Week Painting To be Auctioned/ Scratch Sheet Posted/ Videos

2010-07-09T14:42:00.000-03:00

Jose Valverde has once again created an image to be used on the 2010 Race Week poster. The original art work can be viewed at Chester Yacht Club and will be auctioned to benefit Junior Sailing.

If you have not registered, do so soon. We appreciate your early registration.

The scratch sheet is now posted and will be updated regularly. Check out the registered boat list on http://www.chesterraceweek.com/ under the race tab.

The Chester Race Week videos can be found on our website under the photos tab.

Weather is Chester is beautiful today. Lots of breeze!

Race Committee

Register Now / AIGLE/ ARCHAMBAULT

2010-06-25T16:03:00.000-03:00

Chester Race Week 2010 is just weeks away and boats have already registered. Those who register in June benefit from a lower HST, which will increase on July 1. Those who register after August 1, will be subject to a late registration fee.

Interest in the event is building and we expect some new and exciting boats in this year's fleet. Watch the blog for further details and the web site for the scratch sheet.

Don't miss some of the best racing around, tune up your boat, invite your crew and be on Mahone Bay in August for one of North America's great regattas.

Welcome back our presenting sponsors: AIGLE http://www.aigle.ca/ and Archambault http://www.archambault-boats.ca/ Come to the club after the races, meet your friends and other racers and win some great AIGLE gear! Enjoy BBQ's every night.

Thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers who make the regatta possible!

See you on the water

Cruising Class / Cost to Register

2010-06-18T11:27:00.000-03:00

Changes made to Chester Race Week 2010 Bravo Class course, which include multiple races per day, will not affect the Cruiser or Classic Classes. Both Cruiser and Classics will race around the buoys and have only one race per day.

There will be other important changes in the Sailing Instructions that will affect all Bravo classes, including the use of VHF radios. A careful reading of the Sailing Instructions is recommended.

The fee to register for Chester Race Week ranges from $160 to $260 plus HST. There is a late fee. Be sure to register early and avoid it!

See you on the start line

Race Committee

Notice of Race; Sailing World; LinkedIn

2010-05-31T17:29:00.001-03:00

The Notice of Race is posted. Check it out for some important changes. Be the first in your class to register at http://www.chesterraceweek.com/ Look under the RACE tab.

When registering remember to purchase Cocoa Pesto BBQ tickets for you and your crew. Ordering in advance helps the Race Committee to plan. There are BBQ's each night including the Keith's Chicken BBQ on Thursday and the Traditional Southern BBQ on Friday night.

The June issue of Sailing World has added Chester Race Week 2010 as an event in the Ultimate Summer, a road tour of North American regattas. The magazine is on sale now.

If you are on LinkedIn, you are invited to join Chester Race Week Group LinkedIn where you can send feedback and keep up with the latest news and discussions. The current question askes how many years you have been participating in Chester Race Week. We would love to know.

Race Committee

Tim Wilkes Official Photographer Chester Race Week 2010

2010-05-20T16:32:00.002-03:00

Thanks to Tim for these images from 2009. He will be back to photograph your boat in
2010.

You can see more here: Tim Wilkes Photography

Distance Class or A1, A2

2010-05-14T15:19:00.000-03:00

Thanks to Jim Snair, Managing Broker at Sunnybrook Yachts for sharing his thoughts about the decision to join the Distance Class.

If your sailboat is @35'+ and rates PHRF 100 or less, you could possibly sail in either the Distance Class or in one of the two PHRF fleets, which will sail windward leeward race courses. How do you decide which is best for you and your crew?

Here's what we are doing. After having raced in the Windward Leeward class for the past number of seasons on our 48', PHRF 39 boat. We're moving to the Distance class. Why? A couple reasons:

First of all, we only race together during Chester Race Week onboard this boat. And despite the fact that we've sailed together for a number of seasons, we're getting less athletic(yes, its true) as we get older.

We also have a boat that wasn't really meant for windward leewards - at 35,000lbs it takes a while for her to get up to hull speed and by the same token, it takes a lot of space to slow down. In the Windward Leeward fleet we found a number of much lighter boats, in a similar rating band, causing us much concern during starts. For example we'd make a timed run but often found the lighter boats sitting almost stopped on the line, waiting for the gun to go; imagine the issues we had when we were approaching at 8 knots and boats just grinding into 3 or 4 knots! So for us its a safety thing; we want to race where there is more space and maybe more boats that look like us(read "heavier, non sport boat" type).
In light air the Windward Leeward course can be fun and frustrating - we found this out differently in two very different seasons; winning one race a few years back and losing one way deep last summer. If your sailing a three stateroom boat or a boat with two heads, I'm going to suggest that the W/L course is not what you(and your boat) were designed for.

And while we have not raced the Distance course, we have enjoyed the Outer Island Race( a precursor to Chester Race Week) the last number of years and the girl we sail loves the distance and loves to stretch out on longer legs. Our crew will be a bit more relaxed - fewer buoys means less work and there's lots of searoom to maneuver around other boats.

So when you are signing up and picking a course, think about your crew and how much or how little you practice. The W/L is really for a group of sailors that sail together in multiple regattas and the Distance course is for multi stateroom, multi head boats. If you need more help deciding which class feel free to contact us - as the classes develop online, you'll get a sense of where your boat should be.

Jim Snair

Using Your VHF Radio / Notice of Race

2010-05-07T12:42:00.000-03:00

The Notice of Race will be posted shortly. You will find it on the Chester Race Week website. We encourage you to read it carefully in preparation for this year's races. There will be changes from previous years.

One of the changes is the use of VHF radio. The Race Committee does not use cell phones while running races.

Radio communication enables everyone to hear. Proper use is important not only for starting races and changing race courses but for safety in case of marine emergency such as man overboard, boat damage or crew injury.

The Canadian Power and Sailing Squadrons have information available including a DVD, book and courses to use a VHF and obtain a radio license. See the link below:
http://www.cps-ecp.ca/public.asp?WCE=C=11|K=224450|RefreshT=224450|RefreshS=Container|RefreshD=2244650|A=Body

Make sure your radio is working and you and your crew know how to use it.

Race Committee

In Memory of Past Commodore B Spahr

2010-04-20T14:46:00.000-03:00

Past Commodore B Spahr was one of Chester Yacht Club's biggest fans. He passed away April 19. He is seen here with his wife Sandy enjoying a summer afternoon at CYC.

Chester Race Week 2010 - Races for Everyone

2010-04-16T17:09:00.000-03:00

Chester Race Week 2010 will again offer a number of classes. In addition to PHRF handicap racing on Alpha and Bravo, Bluenose sailors can race in the largest one design class, featuring multiple races per day, in the inner harbour.

The Distance Class Race, new last year is expected to attract a large number of boats this year. This race which will start on Alpha, along with J/29 and J/24 classes and A1 and A2.

Classic boat owners have their own fleet on Bravo and if you prefer to leave your spinnaker on the dock, join the cruising class.

After the races, AIGLE and Charm Diamond Centre will be giving away wonderful prizes, but you must have a sailors bracelet and be at the club to win.

The Hopping Penguins and Cocoa Pesto and their great BBQ's will be back.

Our professional race management team are planning improved racing with a mobile start on Bravo and multiple races per day.

See you at the boat yard.

Race Committee

New Racing Team Trophy / Radio Reminder

2010-04-01T16:12:00.000-03:00

Now is the time to organize your Chester Race Week 2010 Club Team! There will be a trophy awarded to the club team with the best score in the regatta. More information will be provided in the Notice of Race which will be posted soon.

While preparing for the upcoming race season, be sure to check your VHF radio, as the Race Committee intends to use VHF to communicate important information to boats on Alpha and Bravo.

Race Committee

Check out the improvements for 2010

2010-03-11T16:39:00.000-04:00

Chester Race Week 2010 will see some improvements based on the responses from competitors on all three courses.

Some of the feedback told us that we could have had more races on the Bravo course in 2009. The issue was a weak northwesterly system which shut down the wind between Quaker and Meisners resulting in no wind penetrating the Front Harbour. The system effectively prevented us from getting boats across the start and finish line in a effective manner.

In 2010 Bravo Race Officer Jay Hooper will be moving the start and finish lines to areas where there is wind. This change will allow for more and better racing.

In addition, the Bravo race team is comtemplating several windward/leeward format races.

Racers will need to be tuned into the use of a VHF, which Jay will be using to let racers know what he has in mind. Make sure your VHF is close by and in good working order.

The other fundamental problem brought to our attention was the "rolling start". Race Committee will be using VHF radio to announce when clases start on Bravo.

The Notice of Race will be posted shortly.

Andreas Josenhans
Principal Race Officer

More photos from Tim Wilkes

2010-02-19T16:49:00.000-04:00

After the Races Chester From the Air

2010-02-12T16:32:00.000-04:00

If you look closely, you can see the Alpha Committee Boat returning to the harbour after a day of races during Chester Race Week 2009.

Tim Wilkes Photos

2010-01-29T15:05:00.000-04:00

From the Classic Fleet

J/29's Celebrate

PHRF A1 Fleet

Chester Race Week 2010 Less Than Eight Months Away

2010-01-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

With Chester Race Week less than eight months away, now is the time to make plans, mark the calendar, and find crew or to shop for a boat at Sunnybrook Yachts http://www.sunnybrookyachts.com/
If your new (or old) boat needs sails Sandy MacMillan of North Sails in Lunenburg and Halifax will be happy to help you http://www.na.northsails.com/

With eleven classes, CRW has something for everyone, including a white sail race for cruisers and a distance race around the bay.

See you there

Race Committee

Sailing World / Key West

2010-01-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

Sailing World magazine has a feature article on Chester Race Week in its current issue. Check out the link: http://www.sailingworld.com/chester
Print copies are available at newstands.

In Florida, Key West Race Week has attracted 133 boats to its January regatta, currently in day two.
Pugwash, skippered by David Murphy and a winner of the A1 class at Chester Race Week 2009 is competing in IRC. Keith Amirault of Digby, NS is sailing his Kirby 25 and Richard Oland Of Saint John, NB is sailing Vela Volce. You can follow the action on the Key West website.

Chester Race Week 2010 is expecting upwards of 150 boats for the August event. There will be one design classes for Bluenose, J/29 and J/24 and handicap racing in eight other classes. See you there.

Holiday Greetings From Chester Race Week

2009-12-23T16:20:00.000-04:00

Quoting Mark Twain.... "......Twenty years from now you will be more than disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails."

Happy Holidays
Chester Race Week

Some 2009 Photos

2009-11-10T14:56:00.005-04:00

Chester Race Week 2010 dates are August 11 - 14, 2010.

New Videos

2009-09-11T17:26:00.000-03:00

Check out some of the changes on our web site. Andreas Josenhans has some more tips on winning races; Michael Lovett of Sailing World talks about his visit to Chester Race Week. There are also videos of artist Jose Valverde, international sailing photographer Tim Wilkes, and Philippe Paturel of Archambault North America and AIGLE.

You can find the video links under the PHOTO button. By clicking on the RACE button, you can see the results, including a list who placed first, second and third overall for the week. Chester Yacht Club boats won five classes,Lunenburg Yacht Club won two classes and The New York Yacht Club, Grand Lake Yacht Club, Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and Dartmouth Yacht Club had one winner each.

Canadian Yachting will be featuring Chester Race Week on the cover of their next addition.

Don't forget to check out Tim Wilkes great photos of your boat.

Mark your calendar for next year. Chester Race Week 2010 will be here before you know it!

Thank you

2009-08-22T12:16:00.000-03:00

Chester Race Week 2009 is now history. Congratulations to the winners!

This year's regatta had 142 boats competing in 11 classes.

Thanks to the sponsors, race officers,volunteers, staff, people who lent boats, equipment and accomodations, participants, and all others who helped to make the event a success. We could not have done it without you. Thank you!

Mary MacInnis
Chair
Chester Race Week 2009

Tumblehome - an impressive yacht at Chester Race Week

2009-08-18T18:07:00.001-03:00

Tyson Hines, Skipper of "hotspur" comments on the racing.

2009-08-18T18:05:00.000-03:00

Jose Valverde at Chester Race Week

2009-08-18T18:04:00.000-03:00

Exploring the Race Committee Boat at Chester Race Week

2009-08-18T18:03:00.000-03:00

Saturday Sailing at Chester Race Week

2009-08-18T17:59:00.000-03:00

Kristen Berry comments on Friday's racing

2009-08-18T00:16:00.000-03:00

CRW Site featured at Canadian Yachting Magazine

2009-08-17T15:45:00.001-03:00

A special thanks goes out to Elizabeth Kerr at Canadian Yachting Magazine for her support of our Regatta and yachting in Canada.

Here is the latest article!

OVERALL RESULTS for CHESTER RACE WEEK 2009

2009-08-15T20:33:00.000-03:00

Overall results posted HERE.

Kristen Berry Friday AM at Chester Race Week 2009

2009-08-15T17:52:00.000-03:00

Sailing in Chester Race Week 2009

2009-08-15T11:30:00.000-03:00

Official Race Week Photographer Tim Wilkes talks about shooting Chester Race Week

2009-08-14T23:55:00.001-03:00

DAY 3 RACE RESULTS POSTED

2009-08-14T23:52:00.001-03:00

Day 3 Race Results posted.

Andreas Josenhans gives tips on sailing in "light air"

2009-08-14T23:37:00.000-03:00

Phillipe Paturel from Ciao! and Michael Lovett of Sailing World on Chester Race Week

2009-08-13T23:22:00.000-03:00

Andeas Josenhans on effective starting

2009-08-13T22:47:00.001-03:00

Tuesday Results

2009-08-13T22:37:00.000-03:00

Tuesday Race Results posted HERE.

OFFICIAL DAY 1 RESULTS POSTED

2009-08-13T11:11:00.002-03:00

The Day 1 OFFICIAL RESULTS are posted HERE.

Preliminary results posted at Canadian Yachting website

2009-08-12T22:15:00.003-03:00

If you are curious about who won at Chester Race Week today, Check out Canadian Yachting Magazine Online Thanks to publisher Elizabeth Kerr for being first off the line to publish today's press release!

Chester Race Week 2009 day 1 In Review

2009-08-12T22:10:00.000-03:00

RACE WEEK NUMBERS

2009-08-10T14:49:00.002-03:00

For those of you who were wondering, it is shaping up to be "one of the best Race Week fleets ever" according to Paul Gallant of Powershift.

The weather for Wednesday is forecast to be clear with winds out of the east at 10-20 knots.

Now for the numbers:

Alpha Distance: 8
Alpha Handicap: 25
J29: 9
J24: 4
Bravo Handicap: 65
Bluenose: 24

We expect there will be a J24 fleet as there are some boats that have yet to register.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Your Race Committee

From Chester Yacht Club / GPS

2009-08-09T16:18:00.003-03:00

The Outer Islands Race is just finishing at Chester Yacht Club. It has been a beautiful sunny day here. The boats are arriving from points east with spinnakers flying.

There are now 133 registered boats. The website list will be updated when more information is available about class splits.

Please note that the GPS bearings on the website will be changed to current approximate locations before Wednesday.

See you soon

For the Community and Visitors

2009-08-07T10:22:00.002-03:00

If you are going to be ashore next week, you are welcome to join the fun.
The races start and finish in front of the club each day. Come down to Chester Yacht Club sit on the deck and see more than 100 boats cross the line.

Wednesday evening there is a Nova Scotia House Party. Dance the night away to the the Klunkers,who play energetic blues infused roots music.Bracelets are $10 and are good for the entire week.

Enjoy BBQ cooking on Thursday and Friday nights.Bring your house guests and friends and let Cocoa Pesto do the cooking. There will be lots of room and cool ocean breezes. Tickets are $15.00 for the Thursday Keith's Chicken BBQ and $20.00 for Friday's Traditional Southern BBQ. You can purchase tickets at the bar.Quantities are limited.

See you at CYC

Moorings and divers, sponsors and schedule

2009-08-05T16:59:00.001-03:00

Thank you to all of the skippers who registered promptly. It helps us deliver great race management.

The schedule is now on the web site under ashore.

There are 122 boats registered. We expect that more boats will be added. The list on the web site is for information purposes only and is not official.

I would like to say a big thank you to our sponsors,without their contributions the event would not be possible. Please support them as they have supported us.

PremierSeaMarine will have its commercial diver available this coming Saturday and again the following Tuesday for bottom cleaning and other under water work for any boats that need it. Call PremiereSEA Marine at 902 273 7732 for a mooring or the services.

You may purchase a giclee edition of "Ready for The Regatta", used on the 2009 poster at Valverde Studio Gallery on King Street in Chester.

Registration Extended to August 3 / BBQ tickets

2009-08-02T12:14:00.002-03:00

The registration deadline has been extended to August 3. A late fee of $100 will apply after that date.

Please reserve your BBQ tickets at the bar before August 9 so as not to be disappointed.

2009-07-31T17:13:00.000-03:00

Sailing Instructions Posted!

2009-07-31T17:10:00.002-03:00

The Sailing Instructions are posted. Look under the race button. There are also two amendments to the Notice of Race. Please read carefully as it could affect your racing results.

Rules Seminar at CYC

2009-07-28T11:17:00.000-03:00

The Bluenose Class Association will be hosting a Rules Clinic with Kristen Berry on Monday, August 3, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Chester Yacht Club. We invite you to join us for this informative rules discussion and ask that you RSVP to Sandy Morash @ s.morash@ns.sympatico.ca or via telephone at 275-4441. The clinic is free to all sailors but we will be passing a hat.

If you are interested in learning more about the racing rules of sailing or have any questions for Kristen, please join us at the Chester Yacht Club for an informal, yet informative, evening.

Hope to see you there.

Sandy Morash
Bluenose Fleet Coordinator

Family and friends / Chester Playhouse

2009-07-28T09:48:00.003-03:00

If you will be visiting Chester with others who are staying ashore, check out some of the activities in the village. The Chester Golf Club and Chester Tennis Club both welcome visitors. There will be a Race Week yogo class every morning and there are art galleries, shops,cafes and restaurants to visit during the day. Be prepared to walk as parking is limited. At 4:00 PM visit the deck at the Yacht Club to see the races finish and the sailors arrive.BBQ tickets may be purchased in advance for Keith's chicken BBQ on Thursday and Fridy and the Traditional Southern BBQ on Friday. Quantities are limited.Check out the Wednesday night House Party with the Klunkers or see the play which features a story based on a tale from one of Mahone Bay's islands. Enjoy!

Boat numbers / Change to NOR for A1 (PCA)

2009-07-24T14:11:00.007-03:00

Look under the Race button to see the list of registrants. If you have registered and your boat is not there, keep checking, it will be soon!

Registrations are in line with last year at this time with over 30 boats registered, including some exciting new ones.

An amendment to the NOR will be posted shortly. The A1 fleet (formerly PCA) will be using PHRF New England as they did in 2008. The Race Committee will be following the same format as last year in this class and have scheduled multiple races per day.

Remember to purchase BBQ tickets to be sure you and your crew are served. CYC can not guarantee that there will be tickets available at the last minute.

Auction of 2009 Race Week Painting /Registration

2009-07-17T15:24:00.004-03:00

At the CYC Junior Sailing Fundraiser on Friday, July 24th
at 7:45pm sharp,John Carroll will auction READY FOR THE REGATTA,
The 2009 Race Week Painting generously donated by Jose Valverde.
All proceeds go to the CYC Junior Sailing for new boats and equipment.
There will be a BBQ on the verandah,a Coaches Opti Race and a silent auction.
RAIN or SHINE. The fun starts at 6:00 PM.Everyone welcome!
Info at cycjnrsailing@hotmail.com

If you require any assistance with registration for Chester Race Week, please send an e-mail with your question.

Chester Race Week Video

2009-07-10T12:11:00.007-03:00

See Race Week in a way you have never seen it before. Local filmaker Joshua Hannigan and his crew at Loud and Clear Films joined us last season and caught some amazing footage out on the water.

Thanks Joshua

Registration on Line Now Available

2009-07-08T11:54:00.002-03:00

The on line registration for is now available. Look under the Race button. You may register and purchase tickets for beverages or food.

Volunteers / Rules

2009-07-03T15:04:00.004-03:00

Thanks to all of our volunteers!

Chester Race Week benefits from the contributions of many volunteers. They are among those sporting the CREW t-shirts with AIGLE, Archambault, North Sails and Edgewater logos.

If you want a Chester Race Week 2009 CREW t- shirt be sure to sign up. There are a few positions available.

We are reviewing the Sailing Instructions carefully. They will be posted in the near future and there will be some changes from 2008. Reading them carefully before the races start is sure to be a good idea.

You can purchase the Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012 at Chester Yacht Club.

The on line registration form will be on line soon.

Good luck to all of the Marblehead participants.

Regards

Race Committee

New Race Class on Alpha

2009-06-26T17:20:00.002-03:00

Chester Race Week 2009 has a new class. The Distance Class start line will be on the Alpha course. It is the intention of the Race Committee to run a 20 to 25 nautical mile race each day and to finish the race inside the harbour. There is no handicap limit, but there will be a time limit and some tough competition.

Principal Race Officer Andreas Josenhans will be running upwind downwind courses for two other handicap fleets as well. Check out the Notice of Race to see how to register.

Chester Race Week...what a great way to spend a few days in August!

Regards
Race Committee

About the Food

2009-06-19T17:22:00.004-03:00

Remember to purchase your BBQ tickets for your crew when registering. Thursday is a traditional night for the community to come to CYC and join the fun. Support the club and the regatta, meet other sailors, enjoy great food, music and cameradie. On the menu: chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, ceasar salad, coleslaw, rolls and butter. The price includes a beverage.

Friday's BBQ has another mouth watering menu: Southern Style pork ribs, baked beans, macaroni and cheese and corn bread.

Cocoa Pesto will be catering. Quantities are limited. See you there.

Race Committee

News for Skippers

2009-06-12T17:45:00.003-03:00

Sailors and Chester Race Weekers Take Note!

The Notice of Race is now on line - a quick read through will show you that Race Week is being refined once again.

There will be handicap racing this year under PHRF. There is a distance race fleet. There are one design fleets for classes that send six or more boats.

Welcome our new Presenting Sponsors: AIGLE and ARCHAMBAULT and our Major Sponsors: NORTH SAILS and EDGEWATER POWER BOATS. Check out the list of our other sponsors. We appreciate their support and they would appreciate your business.

A couple quick points to remember

- if there is advertising on your boat, the NOR reminds you that it should not conflict with event sponsors.

- entry deadline is August 1st or a late fee applies

- like last year, you will be able to register on line at http://www.chesterraceweek.com/ soon.

Remember that valid sail numbers are important to identifying boats - so if you have used sails you've purchased over the winter...make sure they are numbered.

The Race Committee may communicate by radio. Make sure yours is working.

We are expecting to exceed last year's numbers. Help us to reach our target.

When registering, provide proof of insurance by fax or e-mail. Your registration is not complete until it we receive it. The registration form can be downloaded now for those who wish to register by snail mail.

Please register early- it helps us organize and plan everything for the number of portable toilets to the number of BBQ patrons we'll have at the club. And believe it or not...Chester Race Week is less than 8 weeks away!

Regards
Race Committee

The Notice of Race

2009-06-05T18:05:00.002-03:00

The 2009 Notice of Race is posted. The registration form will be available next week on the web site for those who wish to register by snail mail. The online registration form will be available at a later date.

Remember to purchase tickets for our two great BBQ's when registering.

Please direct any questions to rearcommodore@chesterraceweek.com.

Womens Learn to Sail Program at CYC

2009-06-02T10:51:00.002-03:00

Chester Yacht Club is offering a sailing program for women. If you are interested in learning about being a crew member or skipper or want to meet some new people and have fun, check it out. It starts next week. Click of the CYC flag on our website to get to Chester Yacht Club's page.

Food and Entertainment / NOR/ In Memory

2009-05-22T16:44:00.011-03:00

The Food and Entertainment schedule is now posted. You can view it on the website under ASHORE. In addition to the Thursday's Keith's chicken BBQ, there will be a traditional southern BBQ on Friday night. Chef Scott Geddes of Cocoa Pesto, who is famous for his pork ribs will be behind the grill both nights. Ticket numbers are limited, be sure to order them early.

Is your crew ready? Race week will be here before you know it!
The Race Committee is expected to post the Notice of Race next week.

Please remember Egon Bartholomaus, a volunter on the committee boats for several years. He passed away on April 29 and will be missed . He is pictured here with the crew of a committee boat in 2007. Our sympathy goes to his partner, Lise Bouffard, also a member of the CRW team.

Handicaps / AIGLE /Archambault

2009-04-17T17:23:00.001-03:00

Race Week 2009 will use PHRF in all handicap fleets. This is a change of plans. We had intended to continue with ASPN, but NSYA has been successful in converting the handicaps earlier than expected. You can view PHRF handicaps on their web site: http://www.nsya.ns.ca/

Chester Race Week would like to welcome our 2009 Presenting Sponsors: AIGLE Canada and Archambault North America. AIGLE has been providing French outdoor apparel since 1853. You can purchase their clothing at AIGLE on Spring Garden Road in Halifax. They have been sponsors of sail boat racing in France for many years. Archambault is the manufacturer of one of last year's winners, CIAO!, an Archambault A35. They are also the recipients of Sailing World's Boat of the Year 2009.

Regards
Race Comittee

2009-04-10T10:06:00.004-03:00

The Commmittee would like to share some of the comments we received.

The conduct of the racing was very good!

I thought Race Week was tremendously well organized, many thanks to you and the many other volunteers.

We had a great time racing in Mahone Bay – what a great place to sail and everyone we met couldn’t have been more gracious.

We thought you did an excellent job all around.

I thought you guys did the best job ever.

You and the rest of the "on the water race committee" did
a great job to keep the courses square and all racers well informed ! ,what a great idea, making racing fun again and not complicated !!!!!!!!

Everything about it is done first class.

Congratulations and Well Done! Both members and guests had a wonderful time.

Great week, good racing ,good food, congratulations for a job well done.

I would like to thank you, your Racing Officers and Chester Race Week Volunteers for organizing a wonderful sailing event in the most beautiful waters of Nova-Scotia.

The 2008 Chester Race Week races were all held in different conditions with a lot of professionalism.

Thank you for a great race week, the highlight of the sailing year.

See you on the start line in 09!

Race Committee

Dark Blue Fleet / 2009 Sponsors

2009-04-03T17:29:00.008-03:00

The featured boats this week are from Bravo Dark Blue Fleet, which was comprised of 22 boats in 2008. The winner was Topaz, skippered by David Knickle of Lunenburg Yacht Club.Congratulations David! You can find the complete fleet results on our website.

Please check out the 2009 sponsor list and welcome our new sponsors. We are fortunate to have many loyal supporters who have been contributing to Chester Race Week for many years. We really appreciate their continued involvement in 2009. You can thank a sponsor by visiting their business or web site.

Regards

Race Committee

The Cruiser Fleet on Bravo

2009-03-27T17:36:00.007-03:00

The sails were not all white in the 2008 Cruiser Fleet. Congratulations to the winner, Starfinder skippered by Kevin Bezanson. Eleven boats crossed the finish line on Bravo course. If your regular crew is unavailable or your spinnaker is at the sail loft and you can still enjoy some competitive racing with Race Officer Jay Hooper setting the courses. The starts are in front of the Chester Yacht Club so you do not miss any of the excitement.

Hope you can join us next year.
Race Committee

The Classic Fleet / Sponsors

2009-03-20T16:55:00.008-03:00

This fleet includes some beautiful yachts that have been racing in Chester for many years. Ripple, Eclipse and Hayseed are familiar sights on the waters of Mahone Bay. They have recently been joined by Seneca and Virginia and four IODs. The IODs have been brought here from the US and Bermuda. It is wonderful to see the growing interest in racing these traditional boats.

In 2008 there were eleven boats in this fleet, which sailed on the Bravo course. The trophy for the week was won by Ripple skippered by Jim Rafuse.

Chester Race Week would like to thank our sponsors, many of whom have been supporters for several years. It is particularly appreciated this year. Please check out the links and support their businesses.

We are actively seeking sponsors and would love to hear from you. Chester Yacht Club has been able to bring Chester Race Week to the current level with the help of our sponsors and volunteers.

Regards

Race Committee

Bluenose/ Charleston/ Video

2009-03-13T16:48:00.011-03:00

Chester Yacht Club's biggest fleet is the Bluenose Class. Last year at CRW, 27 boats Bluenoses turned out to compete on Race Course Alpha with Principal Race Officer Ray Cambria. The Race Committee would like to thank our volunteer photographer Mike Sleigh for these photos. Mike is also responsible for the great early morning coffee at Chester Race Week.

Good news from Charleston Race Week where registration for their April 2009 Regatta is the largest ever, at 169 boats. Congratulations, Charleston! This regatta is similar in size to ours.

Check out our video on sail trim with Andreas Josenhans. We will be adding more training resources to the site in the weeks to come. Send your questions for him to rearcommodore@chesterraceweek.com

Regards
Race Week Committee

Rules Seminar and CIAO! in Miami Grand Prix

2009-03-06T16:19:00.009-04:00

Philippe Paturel skipper of CIAO! a winner of Chester Race Week 2008 winner is racing his new boat at the Miami Grand Prix. Follow the results on their web site.
North U Rules Seminar will be coming to Halifax and Saint John, April 4-5. Every four years, the Racing Rules of Sailing change. Starting January 1, 2009, the new rules apply. The 2009 Canadian Sailing Rules Seminar will teach you all you need to know to race under the new 2009-2012 Racing Rules. To register go to http://www.northu.northsails.com/Seminars/NorthUSchedule/tabid/1461/Default.aspx

Regards
Race Committee

From the Principal Race Officer

2009-02-27T11:46:00.007-04:00

The Race Officers for Bravo and Charlie will be returning. Look for the same great racing in 2009 on Bravo with Bermuda's Jay Hooper and on Alpha with the Ray Cambria of Chester Yacht Club. Both of these people have several years experience in race management at Chester Race Week. We are fortunate to have them.

It is not that long until boating season. While you are making plans for your boat here are a reminders:

Remember to have CYA legal sail numbers on all mains and spinnakers.Takeyour sails to your local North Sails loft for inspection and number checknow before the spring rush.

Remember to have a good VHF on board for Race Committee information whichwill be broadcast before and or during and after racing.

Do you have any have specific topics for the early morning coffee discussionon the Yacht Club porch? You can see one of these discussions on our web site. Look under Race – Winning ways video. We can easily accommodate special topics. Please e-mail rearcommodore@chesterraceweek.com

Regards from the Race Committee
Andreas Josenhans

2009-02-13T16:35:00.005-04:00

Fish n' Chip, skippered by Christian Luthi won the 27 boat Bluenose Fleet in 2008

2009-01-26T10:05:00.002-04:00

We’re excited to bring you another Chester Race Week 2009 update on the eve of Key West Race Week.Our PRO, Andreas Josenhans will be in Key West sailing on a Swan 42, Tiburon. A few of our 2008 CRW participants are also racing there this year. The Committee would like to acknowledge the crews of Ciao! and Poohsticks as they enjoy some wind and sunshine in the deep south. The numbers at Key West this year are similar to last years Chester Race Week with just over 150 boats participating.

Please check the website for some photos of 2008 and racing tips.We will have registration open soon.

Racing will be completed using PHRF on all courses and the One Designs racing boat for boat.

Mark your calendars a day earlier than usual – take advantage of our practice day on Tuesday. Its a full day of RC testing and allows your crew to practice starts along with launches and retrievals.There is also an overnight feeder race from Halifax to Chester scheduled for August 7th for sailors looking for a night racing offshore, close to home. This race is being organized by RNSYS.

This newsletter would be remiss if it didn’t remind you to ensure all sails are marked according to the rules with proper numbers. Mismatched sail numbers on “new to you” sails will ultimately cause confusion and angst among the committee and your own crew.

Remember, Chester Race Week is the largest keel boat regatta in Canada – invite your friends in other provinces and states to bring their boats to Chester; lets get more sailors enjoying the waters of Mahone Bay.

There is a new rule book out for 2009 so we would encourage all of you taking a look – there are some changes! Hint…there is no longer a two boat length circle…welcome to “mark zone” for 2009.

In closing, a short comment about the current economic times…its a bit like a header on the approach to the windward mark…make a mental note as the opportunity to get the lift is not far ahead.Plan on seeing us in August – and standby for more updates as the days lengthen and the sun warms!

http://www.chesterraceweeek.com/