August 27 – 29, 2010 – The second stop of the EFG International Pan-American Viper 640 Championship Series saw Viper teams from Savannah, Stamford, Marblehead, Platsburgh, and Hamilton (Bermuda) converge on Kingston, to meet up with Ontario teams from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Sarnia, Oakville, and Ottawa for some great racing in wonderful conditions

Kingston – the sailing venue for the 1976 Olympics – offers some of the best fresh-water sailing in the world. Located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario and the head of the St. Lawrence River, the combination of land mass, islands and thermal effects produce excellent wind and wave conditions with very little current. Viper sailors were not disappointed. Races started at noon on Friday/Saturday and 11am on Sunday, allowing time for the 'sea' breeze to develop. Winds ranged from the low teens to 20+ knots in some of the puffs, resulting in some wild rides and tight racing.

Races were held in an area just east of the host port, Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, and within close view of downtown Kingston and the historic Old Fort Henry. Wolfe Island, the opposite shore, was dotted with large power generating wind vanes, reinforcing the fact that it almost always blows in Kingston. Five races were held on both Friday and Saturday, with three on Sunday, satisfying even the most hard-core sailors' racing itch. Ashore, Viper teams gathered at the docks – near the massive 'Viper mobile' brought by the Sarnia gang – to trade war stories and drink some Dark 'n Stormy's.   Thanks Somers for once again bringing the Barritt's Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer!!! Once the gang was primed, they made their way into the quaint market area of Kingston with its many bars and restaurants. The area was not only hosting all the sailors from CORK, but also the Blues Fest with many live bands playing in the bars and streets.

Congratulations to Barry Parkin and his (pink) team for a well deserved win. They were blazingly fast upwind and, as usual, very smart all around the course. Pressing Barry was Lee Shuckerow's and Justin Scott's teams who finished in second and third, respectively. In fourth was David Guggenheim from Savannah.  Coming all the way from Bermuda, Somers Kempe and his family team rounded out the top five. Somers, you are always welcome to come and play with the Vipers.

This regatta wasn't only the second stop of the EFG International Pan-American Viper 640 Championship Series, it was also the first ever Viper 640 Canadian Championships. Congratulations go to the top Canadian team of Albert Heller, Peter Juryn, and Tom Miller who finished in sixth overall. Thanks to the CORK (which, BTW, stands for Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston) organization, for running a great regatta. If you don't have CORK on your schedule for next year, consider adding it. Here's what our friend and fellow Viperer 'Rockhead' said on Sailing Anarchy, “Biscayne Bay/Coconut Grove was my favorite sailing venue by far -until I went to CORK this weekend. Now I'm not so sure...” 

See you at HPDO shortly and at CORK next year.

Harvey