The Ishkoodah is a big race again

51 boats registered for the Ishkoodah race! That is a huge turnout, and a huge variety of boats from dinghies to beautiful cruisers, and the ubiquitous Sharks and Tanzers. There is something of a pageantry to see so many of the sailing community come out on a particular day at the peak of summer and enjoy the spectacle.

The St. Lawrence Valley Yacht Racing Association is a big booster of the Ishkoodah. As the most historical race on Lac St. Louis, well over a century old now, it has a strengthening position again. We think it is the perfect event to hail all types of sailors and boats to come and enjoy our sport. In the past, the Ishkoodah was the largest event on Lac St. Louis, and SLVYRA would like to see the trend continue, restoring its stature. For this year, SLVYRA issued a challenge to our clubs to win bragging rights by being the club with the most boats entered. BDYC won with 18 entrants.

A light, steady wind that made for very pleasant wind at the start. Unfortunately, it did not last for the entirety of the race, and some sailors did have to crank up the motor to make it back to harbour. We persisted till a breeze returned later in the afternoon, and did make it across the finish line. Despite, taking a long time to finish the distance, patience was rewarded. Post-race, BDYC members put together a very pleasant dinner in the evening. I haven't salivated over an old fashioned chicken and ribs barbecue in a while.

Large events like these are opportunities to gaze at all manner of sailing craft we use to take to the water. Two Solings from IPYC had a good race. A homemade wooden trimaran was probably the most original. I marvel at how some of the larger ,light boats can move in light air. like the Laser 28. Just as interesting are the old classic narrow-beam cruisers. BYC had a contingent of members trying to keep Graham and Donna's beautiful Douglas 32 moving along. They might have moved the least, but had the most fun. Pictured below is another marvel, Windermere, a Classic 37 footer.