Most sailors would take heed to the wise term any port in a storm when foul weather approaches, unless of course, they are sailing in the Solmar Lake Ontario 300 Race, then the option does not apply. This annual event which originated back in 1990 as a double handed event has captured the attention of avid sailors alike. It provides an opportunity for them to fulfill their passion of sailing the open waters by putting their own skills to the test and experiencing their boats' true performance ability. There is no rain date: facing the elements is all part of the race.
There are numerous other Great Lakes yachting events, including the famous Chicago to Mackinac Island but their course layouts are designed in a traditional straight line. What separates the L0300 is the fact that it circumnavigates the lake. This adds a new dimension and challenge to the 300 nautical mile voyage along with its competitive edge.
The race starts out of Port Credit Yacht Club and will continue east passing by Toronto, Whitby and Cobourg. It will then round at the unforgiving, uninhabited Main Duck Island, just south of Kingston, 8 Discover Mississauga 2007 notorious for its sloppy seas and hidden shoals. Then it is a long leg right down the centre of the lake past Youngstown U.S.A., Burlington, Oakville and finishing back at Port Credit Yacht Club.
"It's the closest you're going to get to ocean sailing." Brian Townsend, race chairman 2007 comments.
"You don't know what the weather patterns are." Brian adds. "Some boats will take 3 to 4 days to finish and cover 350 — 450 miles."
Don't let the word lake fool you. The wind and waves on Lake Ontario can be quite aggressive at times along with huge ocean-like swells. Take into consideration shipping lanes, night sailing, fatigue, motion sickness at times and insomnia and this raises the stakes. "Even cooking a meal becomes a challenge," says Townsend.
It's not all rough weather sailing. In past races they have hit the other extreme: the doldrums or dead calm. Sometimes hours will pass without a hint of flowing air, producing stifling heat and the occasional swarm of black flies to add to the frustration.
The Lake Ontario 300 Race has been organized through the tremendous efforts between Port Credit Yacht Club and the Oakville Yacht Squadron with their title sponsor being Solmar Development Corp.
This year the race will be brought to a whole new level with the addition of transponders provided for each of the vessels. This generous donation, primarily from Solmar, will now allow family and friends to watch the race development through the internet with PIS Tracking Services, making this a new spectator sport. Air Canada will donate a trip for two to anywhere in North America eligible in a draw for the boats who complete the entire race. Black's Cameras will be looking for the best photos to be entered in their contest. There are numerous other sponsors contributing with the numbers growing each year.
The organizers are confident that this will be their best turn out yet with well over 100 entries including a Catamaran (multi-hull) and some neighbouring U.S. boats added to the fleet for the first time. To date, the average boat lengths range from 25ft to 51ft offering a mosaic of intrigue.
In 1998, when the race implemented a fully crewed (minimum 3 person), as well as double handed entries, this allowed more enthusiasts with varied sailing experience to enjoy the competition. Last year, with their growing number of women sailors, there was an all female crew entered in the race, in fact, next years chairperson will be Lyn Townsend (no relation to Brian) in charge of the event.
"This is not your normal race" Brian explains "It takes a week out of your life to plan, prepare, co-ordinate meals and recover." Along with the hard work and fun there are stringent safety rules required for every boat entered.
On Saturday July 21st at 10:30 am the excitement begins as the race commences out of PCYC. In the past the race typically started on a week day leaving little chance for onlookers. This year, with well over 100 boats, the flotilla will be a spectacular weekend visual as it crosses over Toronto and down the lake with an opportunity for shutterbugs to enter the Black's contest. The festivities begin Thursday July 19th with a street party in Port Credit Village in honour of the Lake Ontario 300 participants, wishing them a Bon Voyage.
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