GREAT LAKES REGION GATHERS AT THE NEPEAN ONE-DESIGN
Submitted by Steve Chapman
The Nepean One-design Regatta took place June 21-22 at the Nepean Sailing Club just outside of Ottawa where seven Vipers joined 80 other boats for this well organized fixture in the Great Lakes calendar. As always, great music, cold beer, and hot summer sun greeted the visitors who came from Kingston, London, and Lake Champlain to join the local fleet for 2 days of racing.
The fleet headed out on Saturday with shifty winds challenging the race committee with 3 fleets starting on our course. The race officer managed to get off three races for the Vipers in modest 5-7 knot breeze. Local title defender Ron Schute in RUM THEORY (#117) came out strong winning the first race. James Colburn and his sons from Kingston in LUCKY VARMENT, who recently purchased #87, showed everyone their stern in the shifty second race.
Saturday night the club put on a great BBQ for the 200 sailors, complete with live music.
Sunday arrived hot and still, but an early morning breeze encouraged the RC to start the third race on time. Steve Chapman in OSHUNMARE (#211) won the third race in a tightly fought battle. Darren Gilbert in BLACK SHEEP (#29) showed everyone consistency pays and locked in a string of third places. The wind died shortly after midday and everyone headed in for a cold beer, a hot rig-down, and the eventual drive home.
In the end, it was Ron Schute taking home the prize for the event.
Thanks to all who travelled to Ottawa for what turned out to be a great event.
